Standard Chartered unveils adopted park in the city

By Farezza Hanum Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR: City dwellers need no longer go far to enjoy the cooling shade provided by indigenous species of trees like Merawan Siput Jantan, Merlimau, Kayu Arang, Silky Oak and River Mempari.

These trees have found their place in the sun at the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Park, which was unveiled on Tuesday evening by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Located between Jalan Pinang and Jalan P. Ramlee, the park is walking distance from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Surrounded by skyscrapers in the air and heavy traffic on the ground, the park is a welcome oasis of greenery and tranquility in the bustling city centre

The park is Standard Chartered's response to City Hall's "Greening Greater KL" project to meet the World Health Organisation standard of 16sq m of green space per city.

Kuala Lumpur is four square metres short of the mark.

"Although planting trees alone do not address all the city's environmental issues, it helps to set the direction towards greater friendships and cooperation between the private and public sectors," Raja Nong Chik said.

Standard Chartered is the first organisation in the country to be offered the opportunity to adopt a park through the Signature Park Adoption programme.

Under the agreement with City Hall, the bank will manage and maintain the park under the Greater KL/KV Greener Kuala Lumpur Entry Point Projects (EPP 6).

"I believe Standard Chartered will continue to contribute towards making KL greater and greener as envisioned by our country's founding fathers," said Raja Nong Chik.

Also present at the unveiling of the park were Standard Chartered group chairman Sir John Peace, Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib and NKEA Greater KL/KV performance management and delivery unit director Datuk Ahmad Suhaili Idrus.

"Due to its prime location, the park will see a much higher volume of pedestrian traffic than any other pocket parks in the city. It is ideal relaxation space for office workers, tourists and city residents.

"I have been informed that the park will be designated as open space to prevent commercial development, for the benefit of future generations," Peace said.

Guests were given a guided tour, complete with wayang kulit and sand art performances telling the story of the search for greenery in the city, of the park.

Panels built in the park feature the poems of 13th century Persian Muslim poet, jurist and theologian Jalal Al-Rumi, with the aim of inspiring all visitors.

Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin (centre) and Sir John Peace (left) apply the final touches to artist Mark Yong’s sand animation art. Pic by Sugumaran Suppiah

1 / 1

Standard Chartered unveils adopted park in the city

KUALA LUMPUR: City dwellers need no longer go far to enjoy the cooling shade provided by indigenous species of trees like Merawan Siput Jantan, Merlimau, Kayu Arang, Silky Oak and River Mempari.

Leave Your Comment