Brickfields sports complex reopens
AFTER nearly a decade of waiting, the Brickfields Sports and Recreation Complex at Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1, Kuala Lumpur, is at last ready to serve the community.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said bookings for the facility open today via the Tempah@KL app, with the public allowed to start using the facility from Saturday.
DBKL, in a statement, said the facility was completed early last year and handed over to the local authority in October.
'We had initially opened the complex only for internal departmental use while waiting for the football field to stabilise.
'Although the complex was ready, we held off opening the football field to the public to allow the grass to properly grow and anchor into the soil.
'This was necessary to avoid damage to the turf and ensure a safer playing surface in the long run,' it said.
It added that the precautionary measure was taken to ensure users' safety and to protect the long-term sustainability of the field, especially in view of the expected high usage once opened.
'Opening the field too soon, before the grass has matured, could have led to damage such as uprooted patches, which would affect surface quality and players' experience.
'With the grass now fully matured, we are confident the field can handle heavy use without compromising quality or safety,' DBKL said.
Besides the football field, the public may also book the futsal and basketball courts via the same platform.
The news has been warmly welcomed by residents, especially families and youth groups who have been eagerly awaiting access to the facility.
'This is such great news for the community. We finally have a proper space to play football without having to travel far.
'It's safe, accessible and right in our neighbourhood,' said Yogeswaran Raman, a Brickfields resident and father of two teens.
K. Malar Devi said it was nice to have a proper sports facility near a residential area.
'Such facilities are a necessity these days when we are facing a dearth of playing fields with real grass beneath our feet.
'I have been waiting a long time for a space like this, where children, teens and adults can come together,' said the Palm Court Condominium resident.
Last week, StarMetro highlighted residents' concerns that the facility remained idle and closed to the public, despite its completed status.
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