INSPIRED by concepts instilled at the Penang City Park and Penang Botanic Gardens on the island, Seberang Perai has a new park called WoodHaven, and it is now officially open to the public!
Located at Jalan Betek in Bukit Mertajam, the park was completed under the guidance of the Penang Stadium Corporation and Open Spaces (SCOS).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this project was part of the 68 electoral commitments under the 14th General Election (2018) manifesto.
“I am extremely happy to witness the completion of this park, and as I have said before, this new addition will be a huge boost to improve Seberang Perai’s image by attracting more local and international visitors.
“With the LovePENANG spirit, we have added an important element at this park, which is the ‘Family Lawn’, making it the first recreational park in the state with this new feature.
“This is part of our drive at the state government to ensure such open spaces are given an extra life, instilling important elements to attract and create a platform for families and friends to bond in green surroundings.
“I also understand that this will be regarded as the second night park to ever be built in the state after the first one was successfully established at Taman Areca on the island.
“Thank you Penang Stadium Corporation and Open Spaces and other relevant bodies for all your efforts and time in materialising this initiative here today,” Chow said in his speech at the official launching ceremony of the park in Bukit Mertajam today.
The event was graced by the presence of Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
It is learnt that WoodHaven Park, which is located on 6.5-acre land, was completed at a total cost of RM2.47 million.
As part of the celebration, a mural painting measuring 218.5 metres in length and 2.1 metres in height was unveiled. The artwork shows a combination of natural and abstract concepts.
Also present during the event earlier were State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and SCOS executive director Rashidah Jalaludin.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis