Residents of Taman Lip Sin in Bayan Lepas can soon enjoy Penang’s first-ever age-friendly neighbourhood park, the Lengkok Nipah Neighbourhood Park. This milestone project, a collaboration between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Bayan Baru parliamentary constituency office, aims to foster inclusivity and enhance community well-being.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held a day before Chinese New Year Eve, was officiated by Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, Batu Uban assemblyman Kumaresan Arumugam, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and MBPP councillors Visvenathan Tangavello and Chan Soon Aun.

Covering nearly an acre, the RM700,000 project was awarded through open tender to Tetuan Ilham Urus Sdn Bhd. Construction began on January 6 and is set for completion by September 5 this year.

According to Rajendran, the initiative aligns with the state government’s vision to make Penang an age-friendly city by 2025. “As we age, accessibility and mobility become major concerns. This park is designed to address these challenges and provide a space where elderly residents can engage in recreational activities and lead healthier lifestyles,” he said.

The park will feature pedestrian walkways, a children’s playground, exercise stations, a stage, an amphitheatre, a plaza, and a garden entrance statement. Other amenities include concrete benches, wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible seating, motorcycle barriers, bollards, lighting, and tree planting to enhance greenery.

Sim emphasised the transformation of the site, which had previously become a parking lot due to neglect. “While we acknowledge the loss of 50 parking spaces, this initiative benefits the 50,000 residents in the area who lack a dedicated recreational space. This is a meaningful step towards community development,” he said.

PROJECT SITE: