Imagine a majestic dragon’s spine. That is how the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge appears. It serves as the backdrop for the KL East Park Sculpture.
Welcome to KL East Park. This park is part of a 53-acre secondary rainforest. It sits on the northern edge of Kuala Lumpur. This vibrant township near Taman Melawati is owned by Sime Darby Property Bhd.
KL East Park opened to the public in February 2023. The KL East Park Sculpture is envisioned as an extension of the quartz ridge. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. There are over 300 plant species. Forty bird species also live here. You can find many unique insect species too.
The park operates on the concept of symbiosis. This mutualism exists between architecture and nature. The aim is to balance an urban forest ecosystem. It also preserves aesthetics, health, well-being, and property value.
The park’s landscaping follows the philosophy of Aldo Leopold. He believed nature is not a commodity but a community. People should participate in nature conservation. They should respect, love, and care for nature.
Sime Darby Property improved and preserved this space. They maximized its benefits for the community and environment. KL East Park won Silver in the Landscape Planning category. This was at The Edge Malaysia-ILAM Sustainable Landscape Award 2024.
The park’s topography is unique. Steep hillocks offer viewpoints. There are valleys, ridges, small streams, waterfalls, and meadows. All are among thick foliage.
Experts were consulted during the design and planning stages. This ensured quality and safety. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia conducted a six-month site study. They inventoried the park’s flora and fauna.
Persatuan Arborist Malaysia assessed the health of the trees. During construction, authorities reviewed the park. This included the Wangsa Maju police and fire departments. Their feedback enhanced visitor safety.
KL East Park benefits the surrounding areas. It protects the soil and cools the temperature. The park retains rainwater and provides shade. It sequesters approximately 300 tons of CO2 equivalent annually. This significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Biodiversity assessments catalog the diverse flora and fauna. KL East Park transforms into a living urban wildlife library. Native species are carefully selected and planted. This maintains and preserves ecological balance.
The park protects urban biological diversity. It preserves plant and animal species. The park acts as a biological bank for the future.
The community is engaged through placemaking activities. Environmental education fosters green space protection. The surrounding community is involved in development and planning.
The park incorporates easy-to-read signs. These signs provide directions and information. Viewing and resting stations have a minimalist design. Bridges use recycled materials. Benches use porous materials.
Some trees have QR tags. These tags function as learning experiences. Temperature displays educate the public on the effect of trees. Dead trees lying on the ground demonstrate the natural decaying process.
The KL East Park Sculpture, a contemporary sculpture, depicts the topography of the park. It doubles as a viewing platform. Visitors enjoy views of the KL city skyline. This creates a symbiotic relationship between nature and the urban landscape.
Sime Darby Property plans to keep admission free. They will bear the cost of maintenance and operations. Appointments ensure effective crowd control.
KL East Park stands as a public sanctuary open to all. Sime Darby is committed to preserving this space for future generations. The KL East team takes pride in conserving and enriching the natural heritage here.