Nature's marvellous gift - Templer Park

Abstract

The shortage of open natural parks near the rapidly expanding City of Kuala Lumpur led in the establishment of Templer Park in 1954. The Park which covers an area of 1200 ha. is situated along the Kuala Lumpur/Ipoh Highway and adjoins the road from the 11th to the 14th milestone. Abound with innumerable natural flora and fauna, many of them rare and uniquely attractive, the Park has provided a natural retreat not only to people of Kuala Lumpur but also those from the adjoining areas for over 30 years. Outwardly appearing to be reasonably run, the Park has had to contend with many problems, brought about by the indefatigable onslaught in the name of development and economic exploitation by vested interests. The Park has thus far withstood these encroaches but the Friends of Templer Park Society which administers the Park see little hope of a permanent remedy to the Park's woes unless some properly and legally constituted body comes forward to take over the administration of the Park as soon as possible. The paper traces the Park's history as well as its recreational facilities and in addition dwells to some extent on its many problems which could serve as a reminder to would-be planners of similar parks.