By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 2 November 2026
The Jalan Cheeseman neighbourhood park in the Air Itam constituency is the first park in Penang to complete its upgrade under the Taman Rekreasi Madani initiative. The RM412,580 makeover was unveiled on 25 October 2026, adding new play equipment, exercise stations and features for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, while keeping the park’s well-loved old merry-go-round.
The upgrade at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Park | Jalan Cheeseman neighbourhood park (Taman Kejiranan Jalan Cheeseman), established in 1968 |
| Location | Jalan Cheeseman, in the Air Itam state constituency, near Jelutong |
| Size | About 0.79 acres (3,200 sq m) |
| Cost | RM412,580 |
| Works | 16 April to 15 October 2026; unveiled on 25 October 2026 |
What’s new
- Children’s play equipment, with the more-than-50-year-old merry-go-round kept and refreshed at residents’ request
- Six outdoor exercise stations
- Wider walkways, suitable for wheelchairs and prams
- 10 benches, including seating suited to older residents
- Ramps and seating for persons with disabilities
- Two solar-powered lights and a mobile CCTV unit
- Six bollards to keep vehicles off the grass, plus new turf and signage
State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the park uses universal design so people of all ages and abilities can use it. Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang said keeping the merry-go-round was the residents’ strongest request.
More Madani parks coming
Penang has set aside RM3 million for six Taman Rekreasi Madani projects: three under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and three under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). Jalan Cheeseman is the first of the six to be completed.
What it means for Air Itam homes
Small upgrades like this improve day-to-day life in older neighbourhoods, especially for families with young children and older residents. Together with bigger projects such as the Air Itam bypass, they add to the appeal of Air Itam, Farlim and Paya Terubong for buyers who want an established area with schools, markets and green space.
New homes in and near Air Itam
| Project | Area | Type | Indicative price | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuan Pavilion | Air Itam | Condominium | From RM730,000 | Q2 2027 |
| D’Hazelton | Farlim | Affordable home | RM450,000–RM500,000 | 2029 |
| The Skyline | Paya Terubong | Condominium and affordable home | RM361,650–RM1,159,900 | 2029 |
| Twin Star | Jelutong | Affordable home | From RM550,000 | 2028 |
See more on the Air Itam and Jelutong area pages.
Frequently asked questions
Which is Penang’s first Taman Rekreasi Madani?
The Jalan Cheeseman neighbourhood park, in the Air Itam constituency, completed in October 2026.
How much did the upgrade cost?
RM412,580.
How many Madani parks will Penang have?
Six, with a total allocation of RM3 million: three on the island under MBPP and three on the mainland under MBSP.
Looking for a home in Air Itam?
I can send the latest price lists for new projects in Air Itam, Farlim, Paya Terubong and Jelutong. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- EdgeProp: Jalan Cheeseman park is Penang’s first completed Taman Rekreasi Madani
- Penang Today: Jalan Cheeseman park becomes Penang’s first Taman Rekreasi Madani
- Citizens Journal: Jalan Cheeseman park is Penang’s first Taman Rekreasi Madani
This article is general information based on state government statements and published reports as of 2 November 2026. It is not investment advice; project prices are indicative and depend on availability.