There weren’t many open spaces or parks for us to play in,” laments 14-year-old Mahak Thapa, as he gazes towards the serene waters of Kamalpokhari, “We had to constantly switch between parking lots, basketball courts, and even the streets. Even then, we were chased off by locals constantly.”

“Now it is different,” said Milan Gurung, 14, with his skateboard clutched tightly under his arm. He proceeds to put the board under his feet, climb on top and cruise across the furbished concrete on the periphery of Kamalpokhari. With a simple kick to the board, he rises while the orange sunset reflects on the serene pond.

After Kathmandu Valley Development Authority’s (KVDA) decision to revamp the area of Kamalpokhari (and Narayanchaur), Kamalpokhari has seen a drastic facelift. 

“It is high time that these places that have been neglected for long be renovated, considering their historical and ecological importance. After completion of restoration works, these places will be turned into recreational public parks for the residents of the city and will greatly benefit the community residing around them. We also have plans to restore the pond so that lotuses, after which the pond is named, will again start to bloom. Then Kamalpokhari will truly live up to its name,” Yogeshwor Parajuli, a KVDA Development Commissioner, had proclaimed at the advent of the restoration project in 2014.

Now, two years later, tourists, joggers, couples, and other city dwellers throng to Kamalpokhari every day, highlighting the utility of open recreational spaces in metropolises like Kathmandu. KVDA’s decision to refurbish Kamalpokhari has also opened up the space to a wide gamut of activities—underlined by young skateboarders practicing their flips in the sunset.

 “We have been skateboarding for four months now; we come here every evening after school,” said Mahak, with growing excitement “We have learnt quite a bit too and we hope to enter skateboarding competitions in the future.”

“What do your parents say about your interest in skateboarding?” I asked, “Not much,” replied Mahak, with a smile, “They tell me to not break my legs while I skate.” 

Thanks to the newly refurbished Kamalpokhari, for the kids, and parents alike, finding a safe and positive space is no longer the primary issue.