People’s Park which used to be a homeless and drug addict haunt will be upgraded and given a new breathe of life following a call by the Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir who recently expressed his desire to see the beautification and sprucing of recreational spots in and around Ipoh.
Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Zamri Man said Dr Zambry recommended this during a site inspection at Taman D.R Seenivasagam, Polo Park and KTM station.
He said the city council is now collaborating with several private agencies to carry out the plan to upgrade People’s Park and turn it into a family and friends relaxation venue during evenings and weekends.
“We have already contacted UiTM and they will help us by drawing some murals on the walls around this park to add fun and colour,” he said.
He added installation of lighting will be made along the route of Taman D.R towards People’s Park in stages.
Zamri said his team will also look into ways to turn this place into a tourist attraction and one idea mooted was a giant screen for open air TV programmes .
The council has recently repaired broken gazebos and set up a small stage for theatre performances at the riverside spot which is located in the oldest corner of Ipoh city.
“From time to time, performances by the Arts and Culture Department are held there.,” he said adding that the spot will soon be a suitable choice for family recreational activities, watching performance by busking group and having picnics.
Meanwhile, the Mayor wants vendors and stalls owners to change their attitude in conducting business around the KTM area.
He said, the city council has permitted seven licensed vendors to carry out their business at the area but there are several others doing business there illegally.
“It’s not that we want to stop the vendors’ income but some of them have filthy habits such as throwing used cooking oil on the ground behind trees around the park, and leaving their rubbish behind,” he said.
Zamri is also unhappy with young bikers who roam that area in their bikes acting like feral kids which could be misconstrued public nuisance.
He said city council officers have been stationed at the park to ensure anti-social behaviour is kept minimal.