Wish List#3: More Parks Needed

I believe Penang has a high number of active folks who would love to have more recreational parks for them to breathe in the fresh air and for a place to exercise. Sadly, there is only a handful of parks in Penang, and you can tell by the crowd you see on the weekends that there are not many choices. The most popular  park is now the Botanical Gardens and Youth Park. Both are located very close to each other, and the single lane road access becomes a bottleneck.  There is a big renovation going on at Botanical Gardens with more parking lots, but some long term planning needed to widen the access road as there is only a single lane road going into the park.
A couple of parks or places of recreations in Penang now are:

a.  Botanical Gardens - nice lush surroundings with many trails (http://www.penangbotanicgardens.gov.my/)(pic)
b.  Youth Park ( Taman Belia) - Lots of exercise machines, and skate and skateboard rink.
c.  Air Itam Dam - Nice place for running but a bit isolated and not safe esp. at late evenings or very early mornings  ( Video)
d.  Bukit Dumbar, Jelutong - A bit small for a park built on top of a underground reservoir. Not enough greens to provide a cooling atmosphere.
e. Metropolitan Park, Relau - haven't been there yet.
Other notable smaller areas esp. for hiking are:
a. Bukit Hijau ( Green Hill at Island Park)
b. Bukit Jambul ( Hiking Trail to the top of hill)
c. Pearl Hill , Tanjung Tokong ( long road up a hill to a Sultan's residence)

31st May 09 : Floral Fest at Botanical Gardens in Penang + Tram Ride

Penang Floral Festival 2009 & Trams Ride
From Sunday, 31 May 2009 - 10:00am
To Sunday, 07 June 2009 - 7:00pm


Floral Fest 2009 & Trams Ride


Date: 31st May 2009 ~ 7th June 2009


Pesta hours: 9am to 7pm


Trams operation Hours: 9am to 5pm (20th - 30th May & 8th - 20th June),9am to 7pm (31st May - 7th June)


Tram fees: RM1/adult and RM0.50/child ( About 15 min. per ride)


Organizer: Penang Botanic Gardens


Contact: 604-2270428


Location: Penang Botanic Gardens
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Events and programs:

31st May (10am to 2pm) - Official Opening Ceremony at Bandstand

31st May to 7th June (9am to 7pm) - Orchid Show & Competition at Formal Garden

31st May to 7th June (9am to 7pm) - Adenium Show & Competition at Formal Garden

31st May to 7th June (9am to 7pm) - Floral Art Show at Information Center

31st May to 7th June (9am to 7pm) - Carnivorous Plant Show & Competition at Formal Garden

31st May (9am) - Sculpture Competition at Bandstand

6th June (9am) - "Fancy Dress Competition" at Nature Heritage Exhibition booth

6th June (9am) - Children Drawing Competition at Bandstand

6th June (9am) - Children Colouring Competition at Nature Heritage Exhibition booth

31st May to 7th June (9am to 5pm) - Nature Heritage Exhibition