SIBU: The Sibu Christian Youth Association (YMCA) Community Park in Jalan Terap here, covering an area of approximately 1,297 square metres, will be developed at a cost of RM350,000 through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation.
Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek said the community park is the result of close collaboration between elected representatives, the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and the Sibu YMCA, thus reflecting a sustainable and inclusive community-based development approach.
“From the beginning, our goal was not just to build a park, but to ensure that it was actively used, well-maintained and able to provide long-term benefits to the local residents,” he said at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the YMCA Community Park, here on Sunday.
Chieng said that initial discussions on the development of the park had begun as early as 2023, and with the support of the SMC, the Sibu YMCA had agreed to manage and adopt the area as a dynamic community hub, known as the YMCA Community Park.
“The park is expected to be completed and open to the public by the end of this year, becoming the first community park to serve residents in the area around Brooke Drive and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg,” he said.
Although modest in size, he said, the park will provide a conducive space for recreational activities, exercise and social interaction, as well as encouraging children and families to spend time outdoors and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
He also expressed his appreciation to the SMC for the support and cooperation given throughout the planning and implementation of the project, and praised the consistent role of the YMCA Sibu in youth development, community health and social services.
According to Chieng, the development of the YMCA Community Park is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
“With the YMCA facilities nearby, this park has the potential to be a location for organising various community programmes through collaboration with local authorities, thus strengthening social ties and community wellbeing,” he added.
Also present were SMC chairman, Clarence Ting Ing Horh, YMCA Sibu president, Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew and other invited guests.
