Shivaji Park is a ground in Dadar, Mumbai. It is well-known as a cricket ground and also as the political stronghold of Shiv Sena.

Shivaji Park has been the practice grounds for many famous Indian cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli and Sunil Gavaskar. The park has a majestic idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji, from whom it derives its name. The park is situated on the North-East part of Mumbai and since it is located in such a key position in the city, it is a hot spot for conducting huge rallies, public meetings, trade shows etc.

The park has a modern Gymkhana, a Ganapati temple and a mini children park. Recently a "Nana-Nani" Park was inaugurated specially for senior citizens.

History

Shivaji Park has seen it all - the fight for independence, the quest for Sanyukta(United) Maharashtra; to the big rallies of the day, meetings and demonstrations; the huge park park or rather ground is almost like a historical monument by itself.

The park was opened for public use by the Bombay Municipal Corporation in the year 1925. And since then the park has continued to bask in its glory.

Since the place was initially termed as Shivaji Park, the idea that this park should contain an idol of the Maratha idol Shivaji came forward. And under the able leadership of Lokneta (people's leader) Late Mr. Balasaheb Desai, the idol was constructed by collecting funds from the people.

The huge statue was inagurated in 1966 by the then Defence Minister of India Mr.Yashwant Rao Chauhan . The place surrounding the park incidentally also became famous by the same name "Shivaji Park"; the region has gained fame and prosperity specially in the last 60-70 years. Prior to that, the region was a part of the Mahim bay.