Central Park is a green space for sports, recreation and pet-friendly activities in IOI Resort City.
A DEVELOPER has opened a waterfront park that is sure to attract sports enthusiasts, pet owners and anyone looking for some rest and recreation.
The 4.05ha Central Park in IOI Resort City, Putrajaya was launched by IOI Properties Group Bhd (IOIPG) next to Palm Garden Hotel, just a stone’s throw from IOI City Mall.
With diverse sports and waterfront amenities, and a pet-friendly zone with an obstacle course, the park caters to families, fun seekers and furbabies alike.
“Central Park is our latest offering rounding out the recreational and leisure landscape of IOI Resort City.
“We designed it as a placemaking initiative for the community to come together in a conducive social space while relaxing amid serene greenery, scenic lake views and engaging sports amenities,” said IOI Resort City property management senior general manager Ho Kwok Wing.
The park boasts an open lawn, playground park, jungle track and floral garden among its recreational spaces.
It also has sports facilities such as a skate and bike park, and basketball, badminton and futsal courts.
Pet lovers will appreciate the pet-friendly zone where furry friends can roam around and try different obstacles.
The park was developed in line with the group’s sustainability goals of Caring for the Environment and Developing Sustainable Communities, Ho said in a press statement.
As a nature-based solution, the park offered various ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, alleviation of urban heat island effect, flood prevention, biodiversity conservation and the enhancement of human well-being, he added.
IOIPG group chief operating officer Teh Chin Guan (fourth from left) flanked by Ho (to his right) and group sales, marketing and branding head Nicole Lee Chee Yiing alongside invited guests at the opening of the park.
In line with efforts to reduce carbon footprints and conserve existing plants, 71% of the park’s trees are transplanted within IOI Resort City.
Ho said over one-third of trees planted are vulnerable IUCN Red List tree species, such as Dalbergia latifolia, Hopea odorata and Khaya senegalensis.
The park also supports wildlife such as butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles, small mammals, fishes, songbirds, waterbirds and raptors.
Solar-powered LED lighting is also utilised for more sustainable operations.
Ho said IOIPG aspired to conserve the park for long-term contributions towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG11, SDG13, SDG14 and SDG15.
At the launch event, over 1,000 visitors turned up to enjoy activities at the park, which included a petting zoo, skateboard trial lesson, futsal tournament, Zumba session and carnival games.
Participants were taken on a biodiversity walk by Urban Biodiversity Initiative ecologist and founding partner Dr Thary Gazi Goh.
“During the walk, we spotted baya weaver nests and learned about their love story which includes nesting ecology and design to protect themselves from predators.
“We also observed the beauty of waterbirds such as the Oriental darter, grey heron and purple heron at the recreational pond, enjoyed the tunes of songbirds, shared knowledge about the habitats of dragonflies and butterflies, discussed various herb species and explored how existing plants provide food and shelter to insects and birds, as well as how some conserved plants are initially propagated by birds,” said Dr Thary.
Ho invited people to enjoy the park, which he said was for the benefit of the public, residents and visitors alike.
“Admission is complimentary, and all are welcome to enjoy the ample amenities and placemaking experiences we have crafted for the community.”
