Sustainable management of public open spaces: a case study of Taman Rekreasi Sultan Abdul Aziz (Padang Polo), Ipoh

This research examines the sustainable management of Taman Rekreasi Sultan Abdul Aziz (Padang Polo) in Ipoh, Perak, a major urban public open space in Ipoh, Perak, which faces challenges related to environmental sustainability, maintenance constraints, and limited community engagement. The study aims to assess existing management practices, identify key challenges, and propose context-specific strategies to enhance the ecological, social, and economic performance of the park. A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and systematic field observations. The findings indicate that Padang Polo plays a significant role as a recreational and well-being space due to its central location and mature tree coverage. However, several issues were identified, including inadequate maintenance capacity, vandalism, limited use of indigenous plant species, and irregular community participation. Although certain sustainable practices are present, such as tree retention and irrigation systems, ecological sustainability and community stewardship remain at a moderate level. The study concludes that stronger integrated management, enhanced ecological planning, and continuous community involvement are essential for positioning Padang Polo as a model for sustainable urban park management in Malaysia.