Showing posts with label Recreation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recreation. Show all posts

A Park Upgrade in USJ2

by Rajiv under ,
Done over a year ago....


Residents welcome upgraded park

By Dawn Chan 
0 comments

SUBANG JAYA: The request of visitors for the park in USJ 2/2R to be lit and furnished with benches has been fulfilled.

The park now has  a unit of floodlights at the badminton court and two sets of  benches and tables, thanks to Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh and Zone 3 councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran.

Yeoh said the requests were made during a dialogue held in September.

The fund for upgrading the park which amounted to  RM14,000 came from Zone 3 Residents Committee as well as Yeoh's allocation from the state government.

Yeoh said the floodlights, which will be switched  on from 7pm to 7am daily, was installed by contractor Timur Elektrikal. It  will be maintained by Subang Jaya Municipal Council.

"The residents here have asked for another set of floodlights to be installed at the other end of the park. I'll request for that in next year's budget.

"We will continue to improve the  recreational facilities for park users, especially the senior citizens.

"I would also like   the police to patrol the park," she said.

Yeoh also called on dog owners to ensure their dog are leashed and pick up after their dogs when visiting the park.

 Lisa Lim, who has been living in USJ 2 for the past 21 years, said she would visit  the park at night now as it is brightly lit.

Lim, who does tai chi exercises on weekdays with her neighbours, said they are exposed to danger and undesirable characters when they go to the park as early as 7am.

"It can be quite dark at that time. Now that there are floodlights here, my neighbours and I feel safe coming here early in the morning.

"More children can also come to the park and play," she said.
 The former teacher said the  benches and tables would encourage residents  to get together at the park.
residents
Residents get together at the park. Pic by Rosela Ismail


Read more: Residents welcome upgraded park - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/residents-welcome-upgraded-park-1.19466#ixzz2HN7EKWqZ
Posted by Rajiv at 4:45 PM 0 comments
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MPSJ's Urban Forest

by Rajiv under ,
Some articles from the past. I hope under the new JKP3 committee the urban forest will continue to develop for the recreation and enjoyment of all residents...


Selangor Times: Urban jungle among USJ homes

Writer: Brenda Ch'ng 
Published: Fri, 18 Nov 2011
SUBANG JAYA: A fresh patch of green is emerging among residential homes in USJ3A thanks to a push by locals for an urban jungle in their backyards.
Last Friday, residents and students planted 1,111 trees during the soft launch of the state’s first urban forest at Persiaran Setia.
The saplings will fill part of the 7.861 acres of green lung, the size of eight football fields, which has been gazetted as a green recreational land called the Urban Community Forest.
The unused plot, owned by Subang Jaya Municipal Council, sits between residential homes in USJ3A and USJ3C.
“This jungle will be both recreational and educational for children to learn about forest trees and rare species,” said MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi.
MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi (second right) planting a tree with MPSJ councillor R Rajiv (beside Asmawi) with Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne (standing second right), Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh (third right) and USJ residents.
The RM3 million project will be completed in phases next year, and will include facilities such as a jogging track, gazebo and a picnic area.
“We are targeting to plant up to 10,000 trees in the forest by next year, to fill the land and to reduce carbon footprint,” said Asmawi.
Each sapling costs RM100 and was donated by various organisations.
MPSJ has also engaged the State Forestry Department, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and Malaysian Institute of Planers (MIP) to be advisers for this project.
The urban forest, mooted by the USJ residents committee, has now been included in MPSJ’s 2011-2012 strategic plan, which calls for more trees to be planted in the municipality.
The site was chosen by the residents who wanted to prevent overdevelopment.
“The [residents committee] has fought real hard over the years to preserve any green land they see in their neighbourhood and have been pushing for it,” said MPSJ councillor R Rajiv.
Rajiv, who is the chairperson of the residents committee in his area, commended MPSJ for cooperating with the community.
Joining them at the tree-planting event was Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh, who hoped that other councils would similarly set aside land for an urban forest in their area.
“It is important for a developed city to have an urban jungle as children do not even know what a forest is anymore,” she said.
Yeoh said to make that happen, communities should fight hard for sustainable development to preserve land and gazette it as a green area.
“Other councils can even add animals or fruit trees in their urban jungle,” she said.




Dusun Di Dalam Bandar Bagi Taman USJ2

By EDWARD R. HENRY ewdard@thestar.com.my
A PRIVATE firm has planted 100 fruit trees as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project on a hillock off Jalan USJ2/2R.
The project, called People’s Orchard, was one of Saint Gobain Construction’s efforts to create a park for the public to come and relax.
Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said that the top portion of the hillock that once housed radar equipment for the Department of Civil Aviation had been dismantled and the land handed over to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).
“With fruits trees grown on top of the hillock and a public park built around it, the park is now a good place for recreational activities. Trees like mango, ciku, soursop, honey guava, kedondong, rambutan and pulasan trees have been planted,” she said.
MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran said people would be able to reap the fruits of this labour, literally, in years to come.
Earlier Yeoh, who met the residents living around the area, said she had come to check on the newly installed floodlights and two sets of park table/benches at the park that residents had requested a few months ago in a dialogue session.
“The RM8,730 for the one pole with two lamps and the RM5,000 for the two park tables and eight benches came from my service centre’s allocation. Now, I just want the people to care for the facilities. With the floodlights installed it would help to bring down the crime rate. On the issues of graffiti, vandalism and discarded broken bottles, we need the help of the Subang Jaya district police to conduct patrols in the neighbourhood,” she said.
Yeoh added that her approach has helped to build a strong network with the residents.
Resident Y. Sela said the added facilities and the fruit trees in the park made it a better place for walks in the morning and evening.
“We are a close knit community and improved facilities at a park will augur well as this will encourage neighbours to come out in the late evenings and mingle around,” he said.











Posted by Rajiv at 4:07 PM 0 comments
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USJ field green again: Restoring USJ11 football field

by Rajiv under ,

USJ field green again

Published: Fri, 31 Aug 2012
SUBANG JAYA: The USJ 11/1 football field, which has been plagued with patches of barren soil for the past few years, has now been replanted with grass by the local council.
Yeoh (fourth from left), Muhammad Zaki (second from left), Rajiv (left), Wong (fourth from right) and Khoo (right) at the new-look field. (Inset) The damaged field before it was patched up.
“It will take three months for the grass to grow,” said Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) Youth, Sport and Culture senior assistant director Muhammad Zaki Yusoff.
The council will then carry out rolling works to ensure the 10,988 sq metre field is level.
Muhammad Zaki was speaking to the press during a visit at the field on Tuesday.
He said the estimated cost to repair the field was RM180,000 but after an open tender, the field was patched up for RM150,000.
“Field maintenance will be RM5,900 a month, which includes cutting grass twice a month, fertilisers, and cleaning nearby futsal courts.”
Work to construct drains around the field to prevent water retention will be completed in three weeks.
“The field is now much nicer. It used to be so sandy from soil erosion that you could make sandcastles here,” said resident Gary Wong.
He said the field, together with the futsal court, volleyball court, and skateboard park next to it, enjoyed heavy usage by residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Wong, who has been living in USJ 11 for 16 years, says he now looks forward to bringing his three children to the field to play.
“It is a big improvement. I hope the field can stay like this or even improve further,” said USJ 11/3 Residents’ Association chairperson Jeffrey Khoo.
Also present during the visit was Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh who said the field is the biggest in the area and as such is heavily used.
She called on nearby residents to monitor visitors to the field and advise them not to use it until the grass has fully grown.
Concerning individuals who drink bottled beverages at the field and leave broken glass behind, she urged residents to call the police if they see such people.
“Don’t confront them. Call the police and let the authorities deal with them,” said MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran who was also present.
Yeoh added that she will be using her allocation to place more lights at the field for added security at night.

 Selangor Times
Posted by Rajiv at 7:01 PM 0 comments
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Bicycle lanes: We want your feedback!

by Rajiv under , ,
When the idea of bicycle tracks/lanes thru the backlanes of Subang Jaya was first raised to me, I thought it was a pretty neat idea. However, before we embark on something that new, please do give us your feedback - support, concerns, anything... You can comment below or email me personally.

Thanks!

(The 2 articles below are courtesy of SJ ECHO)

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EXCLUSIVE: Cycling Routes in Back Lanes Pondered

THE back lanes of SS14 and SS18 in Subang Jaya are being eyed by cycling enthusiasts in the neighbourhood as the next best option to enjoy some track for recreation and activities.
Faced with heavy traffic on the main roads and the lack of space for cycling in existing open spaces in the neighbourhood, folding bike cyclist S.T. Teoh who proposed the idea of utilising the back lanes for recreation said each housing area could provide a minimum of 6km per loop if planned out properly.
“The back lanes of SS14 and SS18 can provide a cycling loop of 6km each. All we need is to map out the loop, mark it and clean it up for use.”
“Back lanes are under-utilised and this is one way for us to use it fruitfully for recreation without incurring too much cost to get it done properly,” he said to SJ Echo.
Teoh said the two loops (SS14 and SS18) could be “connected” to provide the distance and “adventure” cyclists needed for their activities. 
“The two housing areas are connected near the Kesas Highway wall (between SS14/8G-Persiaran Jengka-SS18/1A) and this provides the link between the two areas for a longer distance ride.”
“Families with young children can also come out and cycle together in their neighbourhood. There are slopes along several stretches of SS18 and this will be interesting for many cyclists.”
“Some of the back lanes in SS18 are wide enough to have 4 persons cycling alongside one another. This is the opportunity to bring cycling to everyone’s doorstep,” Teoh added.
He said where cyclists crossed between rows of houses, the local authority could assist by putting up “Bicycle Crossing” signboards to sensitise motorists to the presence of cyclists in the neighbourhood.
In May, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had announced that the State was in the process of identifying bicycle parks in new housing schemes within the Subang Jaya municipality.
Khalid had said Subang Jaya was an ideal place to consider introducing and promoting cycling within the municipality as a means of transportation in the near future.
He had said it was timely to discuss the possibility of having cycling lanes on the roads but it would not be easy to achieve as the roads were never planned to accommodate cyclists.
Teoh said the presence of cyclists in groups could also provide omnipresence in the back lanes and help keep crime at bay, just as they cycled by.
“Residents can identify cycling groups easily because they are normally attired in cycling wear with helmets and they normally cycle together,” he added.
Heavy Tools Cycling Club (HTTC) president Allan Lee who leads a group of 30 cyclists from the neighbourhood was all excited when the proposal was shared with him and several of his members in SS14.
“The idea is very good. If we have this, it will be safer for cyclists and more people will come out to exercise,” he said.
Allan who is a former national bowler said “Cycling helps repair the back of my body and reduces knee aches. Every time I cycle, I manage to ease the pain on my body.”
“I encourage senior citizens to cycle because this is one of the healthiest sports,” said the 71-year-old cyclist.
HTTC member Victor Choo said “I have been staying in Subang Jaya for the past 20 years and I noticed that back lanes are neglected. Some of the back lanes are too dirty but the roads are okay and can be better.”
“With this plan, it will make the community become closer and back lanes will be cleaner. This will make people live healthier and at the same time, it will create a healthy family.” Victor said.
Jeffrey Khoo who cycles in the Subang Jaya and USJ neighbourhood said the proposal was worth considering.
“It’s a good idea as space is lacking for us to cycle on. Subang Jaya has no real tracks. The back lane is a very good option.”  
He said the back lanes could be used by anyone who wanted to cycle without having to be too worried about the traffic around them.
USJ resident Ewe Kim Chew who cycles with his family said cycling in the back lanes would be safer for everyone.
“Many can bring their children cycling and spend quality time together while exercising,” he said.
His 11-year-old son, Jacky Ewe Loong Hwa said having a place to cycle in the neighbourhood will allow him to indulge in the activity with his friends.
“The back lanes are safe enough to cycle in even in the night. All they need to do is clean it up a little bit,” he said.

MPSJ and Police Support Cycling Proposal

by Shazwani Che Rahim

THE wheels are in motion to study a proposal by cycling enthusiasts to turn the under-utilised back lanes of SS14 and SS18 in Subang Jaya into cycling lanes for recreation.
MPSJ president Dato Asmawi Kasbi said the idea was excellent and that the council was keen to work with the group to identify the route and the feasibility of immediately implementing the proposal.
“We can clean up the back lanes and even beautify them, apart from considering lighting up the route.”
“I will put together a technical team to meet with the group and start working out the details,” he said.
Asmawi said the council needed the cooperation of residents to help maintain the cleanliness of back lanes.
Subang Jaya OCPD Yahaya Ramli said he welcomed the idea as it would create the presence of cyclists along the back lanes.
“Sixty per cent of house break-ins are perpetrated from the back of the house.”
“This idea of utilising the back lanes for recreation is good as cyclists can also help the police be the ears and eyes on the ground,” he said, when asked on the feasibility of encouraging cycling along the back lanes of houses.
ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh said the biggest challenge to the proposal was clearing obstructions in the back lanes and also security concerns.
“Some residents may not want the back of their houses being so accessible, considering some have applied for back lane fencing years ago. “
“MPSJ has undertaken to map this out in new housing areas but for established housing areas, we definitely need to engage the stakeholders first before proceeding further,” she said, adding that if all parties (MPSJ and residents) agreed with the proposal, she could assist in applying for State Government funds to kick start the pilot project.
MPSJ councillor for Zone 3 Dr KM Loi said the proposal was an excellent idea to provide more cycling tracks and facilities for residents.
He said the stumbling block would be gated and guarded schemes in the neighbourhood which might limit access to back lanes for cycling.
MPSJ councillor for Zone 1 Rajiv Rishyakaran said he supported the idea to kick off with back lanes in SS14 and SS18 to gauge public response before it is rolled out in other areas.
Posted by Rajiv at 2:32 PM 2 comments
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Revamping MPSJ's 3C Complex, starting with a Toy Library

by Rajiv under , ,
I was appointed to the Board of Directors for MPSJ 3C (Children's Creativity Center) in July 2011, my aim was to bring back the center to its original aim and focus, which was to be a center to promote Children's Creativity.

We lack such a facility here in Subang Jaya, and largely in Malaysia, though internet searches show that these centers do exist in developed countries. While not having any kids myself yet, I would like to see a center that exist that can enable children to reach their full potential.

One of the items that I proposed was a Toy Library. We need one as most parents can't afford to buy a variety of toys that a library can offer, especially more complex and expensive ones. Toys are key to helping children develop their creativity and skills.

I'm glad that this center is was opened in the begining of this year, and was recently formally launched by the MPSJ council president, as the story below...


Subang toy library promises fun time
Writer: Tang Hui Koon
Published: Fri, 02 Mar 2012, Selangor Times

SUBANG JAYA: Families can now bring their children on Saturdays to a toy library set up by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) in its Children Creativity Centre (Kompleks 3C) in Jalan PJS11/2.

“We want the children to play and learn new stuff,” said Kompleks 3C senior assistant director Haini Mohd Salleh.

The newly-expanded and refurbished toy library is divided into five main zones: “My Home”, “Transport”, “My Hometown”, “Role-playing” and “Scrabble”.

Its walls are painted with colourful graphics and the 100-sq-ft space can now fit around 50 children.

Children playing a traditional game at the toy library.

Equipped with the latest toys as well as traditional games like congkak, it has been opened to the public for free from 9.30am to 5pm on every Saturday since Feb 18.

However, Haini said the children must be accompanied by adults.

Apart from the toy library, Kompleks 3C also houses a petting zoo, reptile’s aquarium, library, art gallery and café garden.

Located on a five-acre plot of land, the learning centre was opened in August 2006 and only accommodated three to four-year-old children.

Over the years, it started a pre-school programme for five to six-year-olds and a nursery for toddlers to children aged 12 of MPSJ staff as well.

Now, it also hosts sewing, cooking and ballet classes and other programmes for children and parents with partners such as Creative Arts & Design Centre, FTIM Designing Centre and the National Autistic Society of Malaysia.

Posted by Rajiv at 12:54 PM 0 comments
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USJ Urban Forest

by rajiv under , , , ,

The last remaining piece of unmarked land in USJ, situated between the TNB power lines and USJ3C along Persiaran Setia, will be developed into an Urban Forest. Since last year, the usage of this piece of land has been up in discussion, since the proposed private recreation development fell thru and was cancelled.

While private developers were eying the land (size about 5 acres) for various commercial development, JKP Zone 3 was determined to see it preserved as recreational for the benefit of Subang Jaya & USJ residents. Toying with the idea of an Organic Eco Farm, center for some cultural activities, and a green lung, the development of this recreational center is moving ahead this November with the phase 1: creating an urban forest.

What was great was MPSJ Town Planning Department also was moving along the same thinking lines as JKP, and they revealed earlier this year a suggestion to create the urban forest. Things got into motion with a meeting between MPSJ’s Town Planning Department, Landscape Department and JKP in March.

Since then, Rotary Club of USJ has come forth to volunteer to do tree planting, and the timing was perfect, and so, with that on 11th November 2011 (11/11/11), JKP3, MPSJ & Rotary Club of USJ will be planting 1111 (yes, one thousand one hundred and eleven trees) at the site.

MPSJ is in the midst of preparing the trees to be planted, as well as the necessary earth works as you read this now. For Phase one, besides planting the trees, there will be an earth trail thru the “forest”.

Later, we aim to build some public toilets, maybe some picnic areas, and if we can get a suitable partner, start the Organic Farm, which will serve as some sort of plant and maybe animal museum to the city kids.


The trees for USJ Urban Forest 1st round planting would be:
  • Kasai - 100
  • Merawan Siput Jantan - 200
  • Chengal - 200
  • Meranti Tembaga - 200
  • Keruing Kertas - 200
  • Pelong - 100
  • Merawan Meranti - 100
  • Kelumpang Jari - 11
Total - 1111 trees

The location for the Urban Forest is here: http://g.co/maps/bmbcd



View Larger Map




Posted by rajiv at 11:50 AM 0 comments
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Feedback wanted - Park Lightings

by rajiv under , , ,
Over the last one week, 35 neighborhood parks in zone 3 (USJ2-USJ15) was surveyed at night, to determine whether the lighting is sufficient or not. Below is the findings. I would like your feedback on this, as we more forward to bring improvements. Please note that the priority ranking is just a guideline on which order the projects are done, as we have limited funds to do all one shot. (The lower priority does not indicate that we don't care about the park, please don't perceive it as such).

All feedback is welcome and appreciated. You can leave a comment at this blog, or email me at rajiv@dapsj.com

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  1. USJ2/2L
    • Very hilly area. Needs more lights, but not spot lights to cover the hill, especially spots overlooking people’s house
    • Med priority
  2. USJ2/4E
    • No lights at divider hills, badminton court, mosque car park
    • High priority
    • No lights at football field, maybe to install at the corners/perimeters
    • Med priority
  3. USJ2/5J
    • 3 corners of the padang are badly lighted, middle is okay
    • Med priority
  4. USJ2/7
    • Could use some additional lighting nearer the guard house and the other tip of the field, maybe not spotlights
    • Some lights are not working in the middle
    • lower priority
  5. USJ3/1D
    • Add one streetlight at the end of USJ3/1A should be sufficient
    • lower priority
  6. USJ3/3L
    • Lighting needed at the end facing USJ3/4
    • lower priority
  7. USJ3/4R
    • Adequate lighting
  8. USJ3A/1
    • Could use lights in Basketball court
    • Med priority
  9. USJ3A/6
    • A bit more lighting at the playground would be good, especially at the part facing USJ3A/10
    • lower priority
  10. USJ3A/10
    • Could use more lighting near the playground area, near USJ3A/9
    • Med priority
  11. USJ3B/8
    • Could use some lighting at the playground area
    • Med priority
  12. USJ3C/1
    • Undeveloped park, no lights, to be put in during park development
  13. USJ3C/7
    • Perimeter lights are dim, to check bulbs
    • Middle of the field is a little dark, could use some extra lighting
    • lower priority
  14. USJ3D/4
    • Adequate lighting
  15. USJ4/1M
    • Needs more lighting on the perimeters of the park
    • Med/High priority
  16. USJ4/8
    • Perimeter of the park and center gazebo needs more lighting
    • Med/High priority
  17. USJ5/1C
    • Cabin end, USJ 5/1F is dark, needs lights
    • Med priority
  18. USJ5/3A
    • Adequate Lighting
  19. USJ6/2C
    • Middle near USJ 6/2D and towards the corner of USJ 6/2 may need more lights
    • lower priority
  20. USJ6/4B
    • Need lighting at futsal end of the park - high priority
    • Perimeter lighting at USJ6/5 and USJ6/6 sides of the park – med priority
  21. USJ6/6F
    • Perimeters dark, but this is probably due to all the street lights not working. Small park, so, should be alright when street lights are on.
  22. USJ7/3A
    • Dark on the side adjacent to Persiaran Subang
    • lower priority
  23. USJ9/3E
    • More lights needed on USJ9/3H side
    • If existing lights could be made a bit brighter, it would be great
    • Med priority
  24. USJ9/5K
    • Center of the park is well lit, but the perimeters are dark
    • Med priority
  25. USJ11/2G
    • Side facing USJ9 could use more lights
    • Med Priority
  26. USJ11/3F
    • Adequate lighting
  27. USJ11/4F
    • Only the center is lighted, the perimeters are all dark. Maybe don’t use spot lights here.
    • Med priority
  28. USJ11/5
    • Football field half needs lighting, med priority
    • Sri Bayu half, could use with more lighting on the perimeter, lower priority
  29. USJ12/1A
    • Towards the gas reserve it’s a bit dark
    • lower priority
  30. USJ12/1F
    • Park is decently lighted, but adjacent gas reserve is dark
    • lower priority
  31. USJ12/2F
    • Corner of USJ2/2E and 2F could use more lighting
    • lower priority
    • Football field and its surrounding jogging track is dark. To light up?
  32. USJ13/1D
    • Complete the street lights on USJ13/1 and park lighting would be adequate
  33. USJ13/2
    • Dark towards Kewajipan end.
    • Could get Prasarana to provide the lights as it will be near the LRT station
  34. USJ13/3D
    • Adequate lighting
  35. USJ14
    • Perimeter is not bright enough, but maybe don’t install spotlights
    • Med priority



Posted by rajiv at 5:09 PM 3 comments
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Recreational Land in USJ3A-3C > What say you?

by rajiv under ,

There is a rather large piece of land in between USJ3A & 3C along Persiaran Setia that is zoned as recreational land. Currently its a semi-forest, with no development planned. There was plans to build a hockey ring and a few other items just before the 2008 elections, but has since been scrapped. 

My considerations are:
1. Land being left idle is dangerous, as we have seen in the pass ownership can suddenly pass on to a developer. 
2. Subang Jaya, especially USJ - there is very little recreational choices. Besides shopping malls, and the little playgrounds we have in our neighbourhood, really what else is there for one to do during the weekends, off days? 

Moving forward, there are a few options
1. Maintain the area as a green reserve. Lets the jungle like trees remain
2. Build a park - something like Subang Ria, without the lake. Jogging track, picnic gazebos, bbq pits, etc 
3. Build something cultural there. 
4. Sports complex - Olympic size pool (we don't have one in subang jaya), tennis/squash courts, etc
5. A mix of the above, or something else. 

This is a long term plan. But all long term plans start somewhere, and I'd like to get the ball moving on this one... 
Posted by rajiv at 12:22 PM 1 comments
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