We’ve had a splashing good time, but now, it’s time to say goodbye 🙁
Desa Water Park will be opening its door to the public for the last time today (Friday, 30th September) after operating for around 18 years.
Located at Taman Danau Desa, Jalan Kelang Lama in Kuala Lumpur, the family theme park has entertained more than 4 million visitors from all over the country, and even some from other parts of the world.
What’s with the abrupt closure, you ask? Well, while no satisfactory explanation has been given, Star Metro stated that Berjaya Corp, who is the operator for Desa Water Park, was given a notice to vacate the premise by 30th September. On their Facebook page, the theme park also released a statement informing customers of their permanent closure.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) also explained that the 16.99ha piece of land, which is currently under the ownership of DBKL, has been sold to Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd, who was the highest bidder. High-end bungalows, multi-storey towers, and condominiums will be built, as well as Federal Territories Affordable Housing (Rumawip).
The Star Metro, who interviewed Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz, also learnt that the sale was an outright one, and DBKL will not have any pertaining ties to the piece of land. “It was sold on condition that the developer agreed to build affordable homes at the site,” expressed an insider.
Michael Chai, the executive director of Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd, revealed:
“We acquired the land about 2 months ago. Our plans for the area is still at the design and planning stage. It is going to be a mixed development with a gross development value of RM6bil to RM7bil. We are certainly taking into account the need for affordable homes, as well as leveraging on the lake area. We have been visiting London’s River Thames and we have something in mind along those lines.
We appreciate the fact that Desa Water Park has been an iconic establishment in this area for many years, which is why we are planning something to give back to the community. ”
Desa Water Park is famed for the “Thunderbolt”, touted as Asia’s longest Master Blaster, an uphill water coaster. Sadly, it will stop operations today, as with other attractions such as the wave pool, surf shack, pink slide, bubble pool, and water factory.
We’re sure that those who resides in Kuala Lumpur would at least have visited the place once or twice. Well, we know we did, and we had fond memories of the place.
But now, it’s time to bid adieu.
Source: The Star Online.
