What was once a 3.18ha jungle is now lauded by Selangor state executive councillors as a model park for other councils within the state.
Featuring a jogging track and forest park, the RM2.66 million Subang Jaya Urban Forest in USJ 3 also boast of an open lawn, children’s playground, mountain bike track, outdoor gymnasium and toilets, reported The Star.
State Health, Welfare, Women Empowerment and Family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud revealed that the park is also filled with various local tree species – which helps residents learn more about flora and fauna.
“This park enriches the lives of the community, especially the younger generation,” she said. “Hopefully, they will learn to appreciate nature and protect it.”
Siti Mariah noted that assemblymen could propose the idea to their respective local councils in order that the park may be replicated within their areas.
Meanwhile, Culture, Tourism, Malay Customs and Selangor Heritage committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari said such parks provide a good place for people to bond with family and friends.
“It is a great place to exercise as well, because a healthy body means increased productivity,” he said during the launch of Subang Jaya Urban Forest with Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng and Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen.
An advocate for mental health, Ng said the urban forest gives people the much-needed respite to de-stress. “Exercise helps improve mental health and people can also use the park to socialise. Stress levels are also higher in urban areas.”
She noted that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) should be commended for providing amenities for women and the disabled community.
MPSJ president Noraini Roslan said the idea was for the creation of small enclaves near residential areas.
“Work began in 2015 where planning stages took at least two years. In 2016, the contractors started construction,” she said. The park is currently 95 percent complete with more trees yet to be planted to complete the entire Urban Forest.
Noraini revealed that most neighbourhoods within the MPSJ area also have parks with similar facilities. “We just need to upgrade the facilities at the older parks,” she added.
Image source: The Star
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