UNVEILED: Taib (third right) being briefed on the new name and logo (inset) by Liew (second right) after the unveiling ceremony.
KUCHING: The popular Kuching Integrated Recreation Centre (KIRC) has changed its name to Taman Pertemuan or Le’Park.
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud unveiled the new name and logo in conjunction with the launch of the state-level My Beautiful Malaysia at Le’Park on Sunday.
The Le’Park concept, developed and managed by Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) in Kuching, will be extended to soon-to-be identified venues in other parts of Sarawak starting with Miri and Bintulu.
The Le’Park, comprises futsal, sepak takraw, volleyball and basketball courts as well as a 60ft X 80ft events stage, is becoming a very popular venue for big events in Kuching due to the availability of wide open space.
It was the starting and finishing points for the popular Kuching Nite Runs last year, as well as hosting the Hitz FM and Era FM anniversary concerts also last year.
Many government and corporate functions are also held there. It is also a favourite spot for sports and recreational activities.
A lot of people are seen during evenings and at weekends playing sports or jogging around the venue.
Its transformation is quite remarkable given the fact that it was a car park for patrons to the civic centre, was once a dingy area and infamous for immoral activities.
SLTA president Dato Patrick Liew said the name change reflected the Chief Minister’s vision to have a proper meeting place for the people to socialise and go for recreation and healthy activities.
He also noted the new name has a French tinge to it, making it catchy and easy to remember.
“This is to reflect that the park is for the people. Even the logo reflects this, with a patch of green denoting the place is surrounded by greenery while the figurines show people utilising the place.
“The concept of this facility is truly the one and only of its kind in Malaysia. In Kuching, it is fully funded by the state government and managed by SLTA,” he said, adding the Chief Minister also told him of his wish to have this same concept in other parts of the state.
He also said that Le’Park in Kuching would soon have a mountain bike trek and also an area for skateboarding.
“The mountain bike trek is now 70 per cent completed. We are now working on a small pavilion and installing the lights. This may be completed in March.
“We will work on the skateboarding area after the Chinese New Year celebration, and it could be completed in April,” he said, adding that he had also been approached by remote-controlled car enthusiasts to use the facility.