The wading pool in Taman Pudu Ulu has been closed to the public for almost a year. — YAP CHEE HONG/ The Star
TAMAN Pudu Ulu boasts the first wading pool built by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) but poor maintenance has resulted in the facility being inoperative for almost a year.
Park-goers say the overall condition of the park, a popular recreational site in Kuala Lumpur, had also deteriorated.
The wading pool, with its expansive stretch of mosaic tiles in the centre of the park, would typically be filled with shallow water for the public to play in.
However, the popular feature has now become an eyesore with water ponding in some areas and the pool littered with rubbish.
The matter was highlighted by Friends of The Pudu Ulu Park Association chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye to DBKL, but little progress has been made to improve matters.
Lee says the frequency of cleaning and general maintenance of the park has reduced significantly
The association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protect, preserve and improve the recreational park.
“Water cannot be left stagnant in the pool, as it is a health hazard and potential mosquito breeding ground.
“It also deprives Kuala Lumpur residents of a water activity that they would otherwise have to pay for,” Lee said.
A check by StarMetro found the wading pool at the park closed, with a notice stating that maintenance work was being carried out. A worker was seen washing a section of the pool during the visit.
Lee added that the frequency of cleaning and general maintenance of the park had reduced significantly.
“I also have concerns about the safety of the canopy at the park’s pavilion.
“The canopy was damaged about two years ago and has not been replaced.
“The metal structure has also been left as is,” said Lee, who is also Alliance for a Safe Community chairman.
StarMetro’s Oct 22, 2023 report on the park.
Lee had raised similar concerns to StarMetro in a report on Oct 12, 2022, titled “Taman Pudu Ulu in poor shape”.
A jogger, who only wanted to be known as Ahmad, 36, said the park was popular with city folk but he felt more effort could be put into improving its overall condition.
“There’s a bridge over the wading pool that has been closed off for a long time, with cracks visible in the structure.
“A wooden bicycle course is also in similar state.
“It does not give a good impression,” he said, adding that the jogging track, however, was in good condition.
As at press time, DBKL had yet to respond to a request for comment on park works.
Spanning 25.9ha, Taman Pudu Ulu was opened on Dec 15, 2007, after a delay to its construction in late 1997 due to the economic recession.
Phase 2 of the park began in 2015 and was launched in April 2017.
In 2017, Taman Pudu Ulu was one of the venues for the 29th SEA Games as well as the location for the Kuala Lumpur Orchid and Bonsai Show.
The park, which also has a children’s playground and
rugby field, opens daily from 6am to 8pm.
