In 2015, there was a proposal to turn the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) into a public park.
This sparked debate. Some wanted more green space, like New York's Central Park. Others raised the club's history and the presence of other parks.
While the idea of converting the RSGC into a public park may not have gone forward, we continue to think about how to have a greener future, especially in the city.
We battle heat, floods and choked air, concrete jungles and car dependence.
So imagine a public park on the RSGC land that uses the "sponge city" design.
This park would absorb rainwater through bioswales and rain gardens, reducing flood risks and dependence on traditional water sources.
Lush greenery isn't just beautiful, it's a natural filter.
Trees and plants remove pollutants, giving us cleaner air. Native plants and water features would attract wildlife, promoting biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem.
Picture a network of boardwalks winding through greenery and ponds, perfect for jogs and strolls. Visualise enjoying a picnic in a park teeming with life. The park provides an escape from the urban jungle. It's a space for people to connect with nature and each other.
Public parks can become a gathering place for events, festivals, and community activities.
Educational programmes about nature and sustainability could be held here.
Public parks have been shown to increase property values, increase tourism and boost businesses.
More importantly, they provide a platform for a physically and mentally healthier citizenry.
In a city of too many vehicles, these green lungs would be a breath of fresh air.
The RSGC's proximity to the Tun Razak Exchange MRT station makes it ideal for public use.
The construction of a pedestrian bridge could overcome the Jalan Tun Razak barrier, transforming it into a welcoming entrance to the park.
The Kampung Pandan station on the MRT3 Circle Line could provide access from the opposite side of the park.
This connectivity would enable a seamless user experience: using public transportation to TRX, followed by a jog through the park, and then a return trip via the Kampung Pandan station.
Perhaps a compromise can change minds. Perhaps the RSGC can be relocated to the outskirts of the Klang Valley. This frees up city-centre land for the park while offering the club affordable land for a new course that maintains its prestige.
BOO JIA CHER
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times