Residents, council engage over Central Park’s public future

A long-running conversation over the future of Central Park in Bandar Utama entered a more constructive phase following sustained community mobilisation by residents determined to keep the green lung public, inclusive and well managed. Concerns over access, maintenance and usage intensified after recent administrative restructuring, prompting residents from BU1 to BU12 to seek clearer assurances from the local authority.

An online petition that attracted thousands of signatures proved to be a turning point, successfully pushing for a Program Ramah Mesra session that brought residents face to face with the Petaling Jaya City Council’s Landscape Department. The engagement, opened by councillor Danny Chan, provided a rare opportunity for park users to directly raise issues and seek explanations on the park’s status, governance and future direction.

For many residents, the session marked an important step in restoring transparency and rebuilding trust between the community and city managers responsible for one of Bandar Utama’s most valued public spaces.

Gazetted status and maintenance transition clarified

During the dialogue, the Landscape Department provided critical technical clarification on Central Park’s legal standing and management. The 10-acre park was confirmed to have been officially gazetted as a public open space on September 24, 2008, affirming its long-established role as a recreational area intended for unrestricted public use.

A significant operational shift also took place recently. As of October 1, 2025, MBPJ formally assumed maintenance responsibility from the developer, marking a new chapter in the park’s upkeep. New contractors have since been appointed, with early works focused on clearing overgrown areas and improving waste management to address visible deterioration.

Looking ahead, MBPJ is in the process of securing budget allocations for 2026 to carry out long-awaited upgrades. Planned works include refurbishing public toilets, repairing walkways damaged by tree roots and reinstating playground equipment, all of which are seen as essential to restoring the park’s functionality and safety.

Dog off-leash zone remains under review

Despite progress on maintenance and clarity over ownership, the future of the park’s long-standing dog off-leash area remains the most sensitive issue for residents. Existing bylaws require pets to be leashed, creating tension between strict regulatory compliance and years of accepted community practice within a designated zone.

As of January 7, MBPJ’s deputy landscape director confirmed that no final decision has yet been made on the off-leash area, indicating that the issue remains under internal deliberation.

For residents, the ongoing discussions underscore the importance of continued dialogue to balance legal frameworks with community needs, as Central Park’s future management takes shape under full municipal control.