Image Source: Yercaud-elango
About JP Park
Jayaprakash Narayan Biodiversity Park, popularly known as JP Park, is one of North Bengaluru’s most vibrant green spaces. Opened in 2006, the park spread across 85 acres in Mathikere. The park is dedicated to the memory of the noted freedom fighter and political leader Jayaprakash Narayan.
Unlike many other urban parks that primarily serve as recreational spaces, JP Park uniquely blends ecological preservation, education, and community leisure, making it a remarkable urban biodiversity hub.
Design and Layout
The park is carefully designed to showcase a variety of landscapes. It features lawns, rock gardens, water bodies, and floral beds, all arranged in a way that highlights both aesthetic appeal and ecological diversity. With its four lakes inside the park, JP Park serves as a critical catchment area, supporting groundwater recharge and providing a serene environment for visitors. Well-maintained walking and jogging tracks circle these green expanses, offering a healthy escape from the city’s urban rush.
Biodiversity and Flora
True to its name, JP Park places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation. It houses over 20,000 varieties of plant species, 60,000 flowering plants and shrubs and 5,000 medicinal herbs. Seasonal flower shows and carefully nurtured gardens add to its charm, while its aromatic and herbal sections help promote awareness about traditional ecological knowledge. The park also supports avifauna, attracting various species of birds that thrive around the water bodies, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Community and Recreation
JP Park is not just a botanical haven but also a popular community gathering space. Its well-planned play areas make it family-friendly, while its open-air amphitheater hosts cultural programmes and events, bringing together art, nature, and people. Morning walkers, fitness enthusiasts, and children alike find their niche here, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day.
Educational Value
One of JP Park’s standout features is its educational role. The park is often visited by students and researchers for its diverse plant collection and ecological planning. The structured layout of thematic gardens offers an opportunity for children and adults to learn about biodiversity, conservation, and the importance of green spaces in sustaining urban ecosystems.