KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — Once shiny and new, it was a recreational spot with a connection to the world’s second largest multisport event.

Now, Commonwealth Hill is in shambles.

It was built in conjunction with the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia and is nestled adjacent to the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex.

There were flags and copper plaques prominently displayed that paid homage to the countries that took part in the Games.

This is now a thing of the past.

Checks by Malay Mail revealed various issues — including plaques and flags that had been stolen, graffiti scribbled onto the flag poles and exercise equipment that had been dismantled for their parts.

There were rubbish in many places, while the fountain no longer functioned and contained stagnant water. Some of the drain covers had also been removed.

Park regulars fumed at the state of the once beautiful facility and said poor maintenance was a reason for its state.

A frequent jogger, who wanted to be known as Tham, 67, said the plaques have long been stolen.

“This happened years ago. But nothing has been done about it. The monuments are just at a sad state,” he said.

Tham, who has been using the park since 1998, said while the idea behind the park was good, the lack of proper maintenance had caused it to fall apart.

“When it first opened, the park was beautiful. Even the exercise equipment were fantastic. Now even the equipment have been vandalised, with some of its parts stolen,” he said, adding the authorities should look into the matter.

Parking in the area is also a problem as visitors have to park by the kerb to gain entry to the park.

This is not withstanding the fact that RM2 is charged to park in a lot near the Sri Petaling LRT station but the parking lot is already packed with cars from as early as 7am, as Malay Mail found out.

Retiree Phua Chuan Seng, 83, who goes to the park five to six times a week, said parking was a major problem.

“The car park is packed by people who use the Sri Petaling LRT station. A guard even charges RM2 per entry,” he said.

“The other car park has been turned into a used-car dealership. I am retired, and I am not working, RM2 a day is a lot of money.”

Linda Chai, 56, who goes to the park in the mornings, said maintenance has long been an issue and conditions have fast become hazardous for visitors.

“It is pathetic. The water fountain just collects rain and breeds mosquitoes. It’s the same with what used to be the stream flowing down the sides of the stairways,” she said.

“If you look at the pond, you can see how shallow it is. And it has been raining a lot recently. There must be something wrong. I don’t think there are even fish there anymore.”

She said there were times when motorcyclists would use the jogging track.

“This is very dangerous, especially for families and children.”

Chai said the toilets were also an issue as it is run down and dirty.