Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has announced plans to develop additional green spaces in the Damansara Damai neighborhood as part of its People’s Park Landscape Master Plan. The initiative aims to enhance urban living by creating a network of parks tailored to meet the needs of diverse community groups.
Five sites have been designated for park development in the area. Taman Damai Setia, located along Jalan PJU10/1 and adjacent to the Damansara Damai Community Hall, was the first park completed and officially opened on July 25 following renovation work. The remaining four parks—Taman Damai Utama (Jalan PJU10/4B), Taman Damai Belantara (Jalan PJU10/1A), Taman Damai Puncak (Jalan PJU10/1C), and Taman Damai Warisan (Jalan PJU10/11D)—are planned for future phases of the project on vacant land parcels.
Dr. Badrulzaman Jaafar, director of MBPJ’s Landscape Department, explained that each park will have a unique function and identity designed to accommodate families, youths, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. He noted that development of Taman Damai Belantara, also known as Urban Park 3, is scheduled to begin in phases starting next year, with timing influenced by budget allocations, tender processes, and design considerations. The rollout of Taman Damai Utama, Taman Damai Puncak, and Taman Damai Warisan will similarly depend on MBPJ’s priorities, site conditions, community demand, and available funding.
Damansara Damai, a residential area with approximately 15,579 housing units developed since 1998, is characterized by high population density. The combined area of the five parks covers around 19.64 hectares. According to Dr. Badrulzaman, many existing recreational areas require upgrades related to facilities, maintenance, safety, accessibility, and program offerings. The master plan seeks to establish convenient urban green spaces in close proximity to residents’ homes.
When questioned about potential expansion of the urban park concept to other parts of Petaling Jaya, Dr. Badrulzaman emphasized the need for comprehensive studies considering factors such as site suitability, community needs, land ownership, development priorities, and fiscal capacity. He also indicated that MBPJ continues periodic upgrades of public parks citywide.
Separately, MBPJ is exploring the transformation of riverbanks along Sungai Klang and Sungai Penchala through the Petaling Jaya Landscape Master Plan (PiLAN.PJ). The plan views rivers not only as water resources but also as ecological corridors and important green infrastructure assets. The areas of Taman Medan and Sri Manja are priorities for this initiative.
Dr. Badrulzaman highlighted that the project aims to connect river reserve zones with nearby residential neighborhoods in Taman Medan and Sri Manja, as well as commercial zones in PJS3, PJS4, and PJS5, and recreational sites including Dataran Anak Muda. Planned improvements include the addition of walkways, bicycle lanes, resting areas, lighting, and wayfinding systems to enhance public access and enjoyment. However, specific timelines and budget details remain undisclosed, as PiLAN.PJ currently serves as a strategic framework rather than a finalized design or construction plan.