The opening of a new public park by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today has been the talk of city folks in Kota Kinabalu for days now.
For the health conscious residents, the new Taman Perdana park, a stone’s throw away from the Tanjung Aru beach is set to be the latest recreational facility.
The park was built by local water concessionaire Timatch Sdn Bhd for free under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to develop the 7ha site, the historically significant Hone’s Place that was initially earmarked for a low-cost housing project.
After the housing project was scrapped, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman mooted the idea of the park as he believed it was important to retain some of its ‘green space’.
Below is the question and answer on Perdana Park with the Chief Minister.
* Tell us briefly of the park’s uniqueness.
The park’s design pays homage to the identity of Sabah by incorporating architectural designs reminiscent of the old government quarters during the British administration complemented with soft landscapes.
Among its features are a musical fountain, free purified water, handicapped- friendly, a containerised stage that could be used for cultural shows, reflexology footpaths and exercise areas.
The entry to Perdana Park is free and will officially open to the public on Jan 30.
* What was the idea behind the park?
In 2010, the United Nations reported about 50% of the world’s population now live in cities. Asia has the largest share of cities, with at least 500 million inhabitants combined. Of those 500 million, Kota Kinabalu is home to 452,940 inhabitants.
The pace of work and life in cities is fast-moving. Kota Kinabalu may not be comparable to a city like New York or Tokyo but Sabah is a state rich with beautiful natural landscapes and has not yet entirely become a concrete jungle.
The state government strongly believes it is vital to take steps to mitigate issues that a rapidly urban population would face such as a cramped and stressed lifestyle.
To have some green space amidst the hustle and bustle, would be benefit Kota Kinabalu.
The state government believed establishing a park is a strategic way to conserve this area.
It is also to encourage better physical and emotional health for the city’s populace — by providing a public communal and recreational space that can be enjoyed for several generations.
On top of that, it will be an additional tourist attraction.
* Why was the Hone’s Place chosen as the site for the park?
MUSA: Hone’s Place was the site for government quarters in the ‘30s. I myself, spent my childhood in those fields.
The state government wanted the park to pay homage to that. The two directives for the design of the park was to resonate with the historical values found there and to evoke the feel of our rainforests.
The area was left neglected, overgrown with grass after the low-cost housing project was scrapped.
The present day government believes by having a park is a good safeguard against future commercial development.
Today, Perdana Park probably stands on the last piece of prime open space in Kota Kinabalu.
For the health conscious residents, the new Taman Perdana park, a stone’s throw away from the Tanjung Aru beach is set to be the latest recreational facility.
The park was built by local water concessionaire Timatch Sdn Bhd for free under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to develop the 7ha site, the historically significant Hone’s Place that was initially earmarked for a low-cost housing project.
After the housing project was scrapped, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman mooted the idea of the park as he believed it was important to retain some of its ‘green space’.
Below is the question and answer on Perdana Park with the Chief Minister.
* Tell us briefly of the park’s uniqueness.
The park’s design pays homage to the identity of Sabah by incorporating architectural designs reminiscent of the old government quarters during the British administration complemented with soft landscapes.
Among its features are a musical fountain, free purified water, handicapped- friendly, a containerised stage that could be used for cultural shows, reflexology footpaths and exercise areas.
The entry to Perdana Park is free and will officially open to the public on Jan 30.
* What was the idea behind the park?
In 2010, the United Nations reported about 50% of the world’s population now live in cities. Asia has the largest share of cities, with at least 500 million inhabitants combined. Of those 500 million, Kota Kinabalu is home to 452,940 inhabitants.
The pace of work and life in cities is fast-moving. Kota Kinabalu may not be comparable to a city like New York or Tokyo but Sabah is a state rich with beautiful natural landscapes and has not yet entirely become a concrete jungle.
The state government strongly believes it is vital to take steps to mitigate issues that a rapidly urban population would face such as a cramped and stressed lifestyle.
To have some green space amidst the hustle and bustle, would be benefit Kota Kinabalu.
The state government believed establishing a park is a strategic way to conserve this area.
It is also to encourage better physical and emotional health for the city’s populace — by providing a public communal and recreational space that can be enjoyed for several generations.
On top of that, it will be an additional tourist attraction.
* Why was the Hone’s Place chosen as the site for the park?
MUSA: Hone’s Place was the site for government quarters in the ‘30s. I myself, spent my childhood in those fields.
The state government wanted the park to pay homage to that. The two directives for the design of the park was to resonate with the historical values found there and to evoke the feel of our rainforests.
The area was left neglected, overgrown with grass after the low-cost housing project was scrapped.
The present day government believes by having a park is a good safeguard against future commercial development.
Today, Perdana Park probably stands on the last piece of prime open space in Kota Kinabalu.
Continue reading (Incl.Pics) at: Perdana Park vital to a growing Kota Kinabalu city
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