These are just some of the sights that greet visitors to six Section 17 parks here when FMT visited the area last week.

The residents of the areas had had enough of the mess. Most were eager to voice complaints about the dilapidated state of the parks, which they claim have not been maintained in years and even pose a public hazard.

One regular park-goer, Cecilia Mah, recounted how a resident in her 70s fell while walking along a moss-covered walkway a few years ago and ended up spending months in the hospital after breaking several ribs.

“She has not been seen here since,” said Mah.

“The non-stick mats are also covered with fungus and there are large cracks on them. They are a danger to the park-goers here, most of whom are senior citizens.”

Off to the side, a large tree covers the pathway the residents use to jog or walk on.

At another park, Judy Ng pointed out that the equipment at the play area for children had rusted and the swings and see-saws were beyond repair.

“It has been like this for the past 15 years. Residents in the community have complained, but no action has been taken,” she said, adding that “very few kids come here to play any more”.

At yet another park, SK Tang talked about irregular maintenance and said the four garbage bins were seldom emptied.

Tang was worried about the mounds of leaves piling up in the drains, which she said could cause floods and lead to stagnant water, and potentially provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Perhaps the most shocking tale of all was recounted by Josh Hong, who said he pulled out at least 50 rusty nails from several benches at another park.

Hong said the park near his apartment was well maintained until the last general election, when a change in contractors slowly saw the park fall into disrepair.

Apart from the unkempt grass and uncollected rubbish, the park has rusty railings and several benches which are falling apart.

Hong, 52, recalled that the park used to be a lively place for the community to meet and exercise, but activities such as barbecues and picnics were now a thing of the past.

“This used to be a lively place where residents would gather, but it’s not like that anymore,” he said.

“I heard the park will be upgraded soon but, in the meantime, the authorities should seal this place off as it is a safety hazard.”

A spokesman for the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) said it had hired 11 contractors to carry out landscape work on the Section 17 parks, and that all the complaints the council had received would be forwarded to them. The contractors are set to start work on May 1.

The spokesman also said the parks were being maintained fortnightly and sent FMT photos of Section 17 parks which had been cleaned recently.

FMT has reached out to Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran for comment.