TAMAN Hikmat and Taman Hijau in Batu Lancang are being upgraded for the benefits of residents there.
Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong said Taman Hikmat, located between Jalan Hikmat and Jalan Cantik, now has a monkey bar, four exercise equipment, three units of spring riders and a badminton court.
The upgrading by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) came about after Ong said he received complaints from residents of inadequate facilities for them to exercise.
“Now, the residents want to have spotlights installed as the park is quite dark at night. Also, a lot of people are sitting there drinking and making a lot of noise,” he said.
“MBPP will help solve the problem by installing the spotlights next month.”
Ong added that the 4,381sq m Taman Hikmat has now about 70 Tecoma trees to beautify it.
The trees were replanted after those that were planted in 2015 died because there was no proper care. Ong was then an MBPP councillor in 2015.
“I’ve contacted the MBPP Landscape Department and they are now taking good care of the trees.
“I hope that between two and three years, they can bloom beautifully so that the people here can enjoy their beauty and live a happier life here.”
For the 6,690sq m Taman Hijau, Ong said the football field is still being upgraded by MBPP after footballers complained of the hard and uneven surface.
The upgrading work, which began with earthworks on Jan 25, is expected to be ready by June. Planting of grass is now in progress.
The total cost for the football field upgrade is estimated at RM17,000.
Story by J. Kirrthana
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi