VOC Park Zoo in Coimbatore to transform into public recreation and sports facility with two swimming pools

Construction of a public swimming pool under way at the VOC Park Zoo campus in Coimbatore city on May 26, 2026.

| Photo Credit: Siva SaravananS

The Coimbatore Corporation has intensified works to establish two swimming pools, including an international-standard training facility, on the premises of the VOC Park Zoo in the city.The zoo, one of the landmarks of Coimbatore, was established in 1965 and housed 532 animals belonging to 40 species, including reptiles, birds and mammals. However, the Central Zoo Authority revoked the zoo’s recognition in 2022 citing lack of natural habitat and inadequate infrastructure facilities. Following the closure of the zoo, the animals were shifted to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur.With the zoo premises remaining unused, the Corporation decided to utilise the space for public recreation and sports infrastructure. The civic body subsequently took up works to construct a swimming pool for public use and a separate modern training pool for swimmers and athletes.Corporation officials said the project involved construction of two swimming pools within the Zoo campus at a total cost of around ₹8 crore. Of this, ₹3.5 crore has been allocated for a swimming pool for the public, while ₹4.5 crore has been earmarked for the international-standard training pool for sportspersons.FundingThe officials said the project was being funded through contributions from Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan, allocations under the MP Local Area Development Scheme, and the Namakku Naame scheme.According to the officials, around 25% of the works for the public swimming pool have been completed, while marking and earthwork for the international-standard pool are under way. The officials said the works were progressing at a brisk pace and were expected to be completed within the next two to three months. Published - May 26, 2026 07:37 pm IST