LETTERS: Parks in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, are used by residents for recreational and sporting activities. Many senior citizens gather at these parks almost daily for banter.
Adults can be seen exercising, jogging and walking briskly, while the children play on the swings and see-saws.
Generally, these parks are well maintained. An example of well-maintained parks are the ones in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
To maintain a park well, the upkeep is a major aspect. Parks are full of fast-growing, leafy trees and it takes a lot of work to clear the fallen leaves to keep parks clean and safe for visitors.
The park in Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, is a case in point.
Contract workers use blowers to keep the place tidy, but with the heavy fall of leaves, regular maintenance is necessary so that the park is safe for the young and old.
Sweepers should also be deployed to clear walkways and exercise areas. Shrubs and flowering plants should be regularly pruned and fertilised so that they look their lovely best.
After recent downpours, fallen leaves have clogged drains and became an eyesore along the fence, including the section fronting the primary school.
The drains are full of leaves and layers of mud. You can also see mosquitoes breeding in the area.
Trees that have been trimmed in recent months remain uncollected and lie in the park in heaps, posing a danger to children and senior citizens.
Several trees fell following storms, but the tree trunks have yet to be uprooted and the broken pavements and stairs have yet to be fixed. The children's swings have fortunately been fixed and a lot more kids are frequenting this area of the park.
Having the personal touch of an experienced and caring park superintendent would make a major difference.
Residents have suggested that park superintendents have some background in park management to oversee the care and maintenance of these areas, similar to major cities around the world, instead of allowing contractors free rein like now.
Hopefully, the authorities can ensure that remedial and upkeep work is done so that the parks remain attractive and safe for residents to continue frequenting. They are lovely spots and vital green lungs in the city.
BENEDICT LOPEZ
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
