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A week after Changlie Park was inaugurated, Kuensel interviewed Tashi Pengjue, director of the Human Settlements Department of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
With the inauguration of Changyur Park in Thimphu, we see a third world truck stop transformed into a modern innovative space that includes a playground for children, a social centre for people, a garden for nature lovers, a picnic lawn, facilities for fitness enthusiasts, etc. Where did all these concepts and ideas come from?
What you see is another step towards achieving His Majesty the King’s vision of making Bhutan a 21st century city that blends tradition and modernity. This seven-acre park helps our capital develop into an inclusive, resilient, and culturally rich urban landscape.
His Majesty the King commissioned globally renowned experts, led by Jonathan FP Rose of the United States and Jonathan Rose of the United Kingdom, to help review and revise the Thimphu Structure Plan. On their advice, the Ministry of Industry and Trade hired ARUP International to draft a high-level concept, which was then converted into a detailed design and implemented by the government.
This was made possible with the blessings, continued guidance and help of Her Majesty Queen Mother Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck, and with the generous support of over 600 De-Suups who have been appointed since February 2023.
The media described Changyu Park as a royal gift to the people of Thimphu. Is it not a gift to all the people of Bhutan?
A hub for community engagement and a beacon for sustainable urban development, Changyur Park not only improves the quality of life for Thimphu residents, but also sets a new standard for urban green spaces in Bhutan, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
It inspires all Bhutanese. It celebrates the creativity of the environment and the evolving Bhutanese identity. It embodies Thimphu’s vision for an inclusive, resilient and culturally rich urban landscape.
Over the past few months we have seen the orange-clad De-Suups busy at work. Are their skills up to this level? Could this have been done without the De-Suups?
The park was built by a professional team of architects, urban planners, engineers and more than 130 skilled and unskilled workers. 60% of the work was completed by more than 600 De-Suups who were simultaneously trained and employed by the construction company. They truly made it possible to transform a vacant lot into a vibrant riverside destination for residents, tourists and visitors.
How much does the park cost and how is it maintained?
The government spent Ngultrum 140 million on the park, which will be supported by ticket sales and revenue from the park’s five themed attractions.
Some of our elders in the past would say that Bhutan itself is a huge park. We are rich in flora and fauna. So, how is Chang Yul Park different?
Yes, we are proud of our pristine ecology, but the face of the country is changing with urbanization. Parks introduce new ideas.
International experts and consultants brought new ideas, technologies and expertise and skillfully blended these with traditional Bhutanese symbols such as Bazam, Talakha and Wangditse lhakhangs as a strategic backdrop.
What might have been converted into a public open-air toilet is now a beautiful riverfront with an elevated curved boardwalk, wavy railings and a jogging bridge, offering panoramic views of the Wangchhu River. The floating bar and cafe are a highlight, all showcasing intricate timber construction techniques, modern interior lighting and furniture, creating a perfect cozy atmosphere.
We ensured that all features were nature-based solutions. For example, the French drain system with underground pipes, well water and rain gardens, asphalt paths and buffered jogging paths, and the park edges using steel automatic pop-up sprinkler systems ensured it was environmentally sustainable.
Most of them, including the uniquely designed lamp posts, were made on site.
The largest rose garden in Thimphu and other beautiful plantations were initiated and built in the park by Queen Mother Gyalyu Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.
Sometimes things start off with a bang in Bhutan, then die down. How can we prevent this from happening?
These fees will meet day-to-day expenses, but to some extent, they are only symbolic.
A management body will soon be established to manage and maintain the park, which features hardy and easy-to-maintain native flowers and trees.
The real purpose and value of this Royal Initiative is the sense of ownership that all of us must develop. Each of us is an equal owner of this beautiful park. We are talking about new ways of thinking, new knowledge and expertise.
What have we as policymakers, planners and citizens of Bhutan learned from the construction of Changyu Park?
Changyur Park itself is an important feature of the transformation of Thimphu and Bhutan.
With the help of Jonathan FP Rose and Jonathan Rose, we completed the Thimphu Structure Plan, which will make Thimphu a model of modern, innovative and progressive urban development.
It reflects a hierarchy of open spaces at the national, dzongkhag and city levels. It provides context for our sacred sites and buildings. We are protecting natural landscapes. The Thimphu Green Belt will stop urban sprawl by limiting urban development and protecting Thimphu’s unique environment, provide inclusive access for leisure and recreation, and increase climate resilience through disaster risk mitigation. Stretching from Dodna in the north to Rama in the south (eventually connecting to Chorzum), the Wangchuck Corridor is a visionary urban revitalization project that aims to establish an ecological, sport and recreational spine through the city. It combines flood resilience with new and improved public open spaces and active travel routes connecting communities.
We are witnessing an urban transformation – a change in culture, nature, lifestyle, behaviour and mindset, an evolution of ownership and conservation. This forward-thinking approach to urban development conveys our cultural heritage while having a modern appeal. We are defining and protecting Bhutan’s identity
What we are seeing now is a vibrant Thimphu Master Plan coming to fruition. This inspiration and energy in the city’s development is the essence of transformation that will define urbanism in the new era.
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