Changyul Park serves as a model for future green initiatives in the capital

YK Poudel

His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and members of the Royal Family graced the inauguration of Changyul Park in Changzamtok, Thimphu yesterday morning.

The Prime Minister and senior government officials, and the various teams involved in building the park, including Desuups who have worked on the park for over two years, also attended the event.

In the afternoon, invitees from a cross section of society were shown around the expansive park grounds. A concert was held in the evening, featuring popular Bhutanese artists and dancers who have been trained by De-Suung Skilling Programme Dance programme.

More than 1,000 people visited the park on the first day. For now, the entry fee is Nu 20 per ticket, managed by the De-Suung office.

Changyul Park opened to public yesterday

Changyul Park, spanning seven-acres along the Wangchhu river corridor, a gift from His Majesty the King to the people of Thimphu and those visiting the capital, represents a substantial investment of over Nu 150 million, involving over 300 Desuups who worked for more than 18 months on the development of the park.

The director for the Department of Human Settlement, Tashi Penjor, said that the park is not just a normal park but a celebration of Bhutanese culture, architecture and identity in the urban space. “We are hopeful that the residents will make the best use of it along with taking accountability of its cleanliness and management.”

The department, he said, has plans to create more of such recreational parks across the thromde and other peri-urban centres.

One of the visitors, Sonam Deki, said that a truck parking space has been transformed into a beautiful, vibrant park. “This really is a huge gift from the King to our children and people living in the capital,” she said.

And ever since her children have been at the park, they have been frolicking around for hours. “Having such parks across all thromdes would provide a vital space for recreation and cultural engagement, while also serving as a tourist attraction in those areas,” she added.

Designed to honour Bhutanese heritage while incorporating modern green infrastructure, Changyul Park features traditional architectural elements such as stone boundary walls, river edges, and traditional gates. These elements integrate seamlessly with contemporary design aspects to create an aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive space.

Key features of Changyul Park include meadows and riverside gallery, community hub, adventure play area and outdoor gym, arboretum and rose garden, and riverfront amenities.

The northern meadows provide expansive lawns suitable for picnics, events, and outdoor activities, equipped with necessary utilities. The riverside gallery offers a tranquil area for relaxation and enjoyment of the river views.

Centrally located within the park, the Community Hub comprises a cafeteria, outdoor deck, performance plaza, and underground restrooms, serving as a focal point for community gatherings and events.

The adventure play area and outdoor gym includes a nature-based play area for children, featuring structures like spider webs and rope bridges, alongside an outdoor gym equipped with fitness stations for adults.

The arboretum showcases over 50 native plant species while the Rose Garden, Thimphu’s largest, provides picturesque settings framed by views of the Bazam, Talakha, and Wangditse Lhakhang.

Riverfront amenities include an elevated, arc-shaped boardwalk and a jogging bridge that offer panoramic views of the Wangchhu. The Floating Bar, constructed with intricate timber techniques, provides a cozy venue for visitors.

The park emphasises sustainability through features such as energy-efficient lighting embedded in natural rocks and artistically crafted lampposts.

A one-kilometre loop of jogging tracks, walking paths, and elevated bridges connect the park’s various sections, promoting active lifestyles.

Additionally, the mini mobility hub includes electric-vehicle charging stations, public parking, and bus stops, integrating the park into Thimphu’s low-emission transport network.

Located at the junction where the river meets the community, Changyul Park presents a unique convergence of people, nature, and water. Its design masterfully integrates Bhutanese cultural elements with modern, resilient features, creating a space that respects and reflects local heritage while embracing contemporary needs.

It also aligns with the Green Infrastructure and Open Space Master Plan of the Thimphu Structure Plan 2023-2040. Changyul Park contributes to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration and enhanced open spaces.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, in collaboration with His Majesty’s Secretariat, the Royal Commission for Urban Development, De-Suung Office and Thimphu Thromde has constructed this park.

A diverse team of architects, urban planners, engineers, and over 130 workers contributed to transforming a previously vacant land area into a multifunctional green space intended to serve residents, tourists, and visitors.

The Changyul Park is expected to enhance the quality of life for Thimphu’s residents and serve as a model for future green initiatives in the capital. The Park is a royal initiative of His Majesty the King.