Architects and planners call for transforming neglected playgrounds into inclusive green spaces that meet changing urban community needs
PETALING JAYA: Once filled with laughter and the sounds of children having fun, many public playgrounds across cities now sit abandoned, prompting renewed calls to rethink how neglected spaces can be transformed into functional green areas for communities.
Malaysian Institute of Architects president Adrianta Aziz said current guidelines should be reviewed, particularly in light of changing community needs and urban lifestyles.
“Instead of removing abandoned playgrounds entirely, these sites can be reimagined as green fields, community spaces or multifunctional open areas that better reflect how residents use public spaces today.
“From an architectural standpoint, concepts such as placemaking and adaptive reuse offer opportunities to transform underutilised or neglected spaces into meaningful public areas designed around people rather than structures,” he told theSun.
Adrianta cited examples of adaptive reuse projects in which old or obsolete buildings have been successfully converted into vibrant community hubs, adding that similar principles could be applied to open spaces.
He said such transformation requires close cooperation between professionals and local councils, along with more flexible standards, stressing that simply clearing abandoned spaces is only a short-term fix and that sustainable solutions depend on coordinated efforts across agencies.
“Effective placemaking depends heavily on the involvement of end users, as communities themselves are best placed to identify what types of spaces are useful and meaningful to them.
“As such, public education and engagement should accompany any review of standards, ensuring that green spaces are not only created but actively used and sustained.”
Adrianta said a review of existing guidelines is necessary to revitalise abandoned public spaces into inclusive and functional green areas for the benefit of communities and the built environment sector.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya urban and regional planning expert Dr Noor Hashimah Hashim Lim said existing planning standards for playgrounds and green spaces remain relevant, citing the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of a minimum of nine square metres of green space per person.
However, she said Malaysia’s current approach calculates green space provision based on acreage per population and suggested that standards could be revised to adopt the global benchmark of square metres per person.
“Some major cities now aim for up to 30 square metres per person to reduce overcrowding and improve wellbeing.
“Access to green spaces is a matter of equity and a basic human right, and provision by local authorities should be non-negotiable,” she said.
Noor Hashimah also drew a distinction between the provision of green spaces, which she said is compulsory, and their actual usage, which depends heavily on usability, relevance and attractiveness to targeted user groups.
“Times have changed. Local councils need to study current user needs, preferences and behaviour patterns instead of treating old playground equipment as a one-size-fits-all template,” she said, adding that maintenance should be prioritised to prevent facilities from falling into neglect.
She also said under the current Planning Guidelines for Open Space, a play area of 0.2ha should be provided for every 300 to 1,000 residents.
On whether unused playgrounds should be formally decommissioned and converted into green spaces or community areas, she suggested broadening the planning definition of “play area” to allow for more flexible, community-oriented uses.
“Reallocating funds from underused playgrounds to greener, lower-maintenance spaces could be more sustainable, but only if such spaces genuinely encourage community engagement and social interaction.”
She added that what matters most is not whether a space is a playground or a green area, but whether the community actually uses and enjoys it.
“Green spaces are beneficial for well-being and public health, but if they are neglected or underused, they don’t help anyone,” she said.
