Thimphu witnessed a significant moment yesterday as His Majesty the King, accompanied by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and members of the Royal Family, officially inaugurated Changyul Park in Changzamtok. This much-anticipated event was graced by the presence of the Prime Minister, senior government officials, and the dedicated teams, including over 300 Desuups, who have tirelessly worked on the park for more than two years.
Changyul Park, a seven-acre green haven along the Wangchhu river corridor, stands as a testament to Bhutan’s blend of cultural heritage and modernity. A royal gift from His Majesty to the people of Thimphu and visitors to the capital, the park represents a substantial investment of over Nu 150 million. It has transformed what was once a truck parking space into a vibrant, multifunctional space that reflects Bhutanese culture, architecture, and identity.
The park’s design seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements such as stone boundary walls and traditional gates with modern green infrastructure. Key features include expansive northern meadows for picnics and events, a tranquil riverside gallery, a community hub with a cafeteria and performance plaza, and an adventure play area for children alongside an outdoor gym for adults. Additionally, the park boasts Thimphu’s largest rose garden, an arboretum showcasing over 50 native plant species, and riverfront amenities like an elevated boardwalk and jogging bridge offering panoramic views of the Wangchhu.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tashi Penjor, Director of the Department of Human Settlement, emphasized that Changyul Park is more than just a recreational space; it is a celebration of Bhutanese culture within an urban environment. He expressed hope that the park would be cherished by residents, who would take responsibility for its cleanliness and management. The department, he added, plans to create more such parks across Thimphu and other peri-urban areas.
The park’s inaugural day saw over 1,000 visitors, with a diverse group of invitees exploring the park’s grounds in the afternoon. The evening was marked by a lively concert featuring popular Bhutanese artists and dancers from the De-Suung Skilling Programme Dance programme, adding a festive spirit to the occasion.
One visitor, Sonam Deki, expressed her delight at the transformation of the area, calling the park a “huge gift from the King to our children and people living in the capital.” She noted how her children enjoyed the space, highlighting the importance of such parks for recreation, cultural engagement, and tourism.
Changyul Park also aligns with the Green Infrastructure and Open Space Master Plan of the Thimphu Structure Plan 2023-2040, contributing to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration and enhanced open spaces. The park is designed to promote active lifestyles, featuring a one-kilometre loop of jogging tracks, walking paths, and elevated bridges connecting its various sections.
The construction of Changyul Park was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, His Majesty’s Secretariat, the Royal Commission for Urban Development, the De-Suung Office, and Thimphu Thromde. A diverse team of architects, urban planners, engineers, and workers came together to create this multifunctional green space, which is expected to enhance the quality of life for Thimphu’s residents and serve as a model for future green initiatives in the capital.
As a royal initiative of His Majesty the King, Changyul Park is more than just a park; it is a space where people, nature, and Bhutanese heritage converge, offering a serene retreat within the bustling capital while setting a new standard for urban green spaces in Bhutan.
