The Bhutanese Leading the way.
His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Members of the Royal Family graced the inauguration of Changyul Park in Changzamtog, Thimphu on the morning of August 23, 2024.
The inauguration marks a pivotal development in the city’s urban planning and community spaces.
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 will be held in the evening, featuring popular Bhutanese artists, and dancers who have been trained by Desuung Skilling Program (DSP) Dance programme.
Changyul Park, spanning seven acres along the Wangchhu River Corridor, was developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) over an 18-month period.
The project aligns with Thimphu’s strategic vision for creating inclusive, resilient, and culturally enriched urban environments. The park’s development was a collaborative effort involving the Department of Human Settlement, MoIT, the Royal Commission for Urban Development (RCUD), the Desuung Office, the Royal Project Coordination Office, and Thimphu Thromde.
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.
Designed to honor 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.
The park includes Meadows and Riverside Gallery. 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 park 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.
An elevated, arc-shaped boardwalk and a jogging bridge offer panoramic views of the Wangchhu River. The Floating Bar, constructed with intricate timber techniques, provides a cozy venue for visitors.
The park emphasizes sustainability through features such as energy-efficient lighting embedded in natural rocks and artistically crafted lampposts.
A 1-kilometer loop of jogging tracks, walking paths, and elevated bridges connects the park’s various sections, promoting active lifestyles. Additionally, the Mini Mobility Hub includes EV charging stations, public parking, and bus stops, integrating the park into Thimphu’s low-emission transport network.
Aligned with the Green Infrastructure and Open Space Master Plan of the Thimphu Structure Plan 2023-2047, Changyul Park contributes to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration and enhanced open spaces. It also supports the professional development of urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, and skilled youth, setting a benchmark for future urban projects in Thimphu.
The inauguration of Changyul Park signifies a commitment to sustainable urban development, cultural preservation, and community engagement. The 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. Changyul Park is a Royal Initiative of His Majesty The King.
