SINGAPORE: Admiralty Park, East Coast Park and
Jurong Lake Park will be developed into large regional parks,
offering recreational features not usually found in public
parks.
Called Destination Parks, the three were selected
based on geographical location - one each in the North, East and
West regions of Singapore.
They're expected to be developed within three to
five years.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced this at the re-opening of
Bishan Park on Saturday morning.
After more than two years of redevelopment, the Bishan Park has
been completely transformed.
What used to be a concrete canal at the Bishan Park, is now a
meandering river with landscaped banks and gentle slopes.
It allows visitors to walk and play along the water.
Following the redevelopment of the Bishan Park, Mr Lee said that it
will be renamed as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Mr Lee believes the park will still be the focal point for both
Bishan and Ang Mo Kio residents. It will also attract Singaporeans
from all across the country.
He said: "We're building more parks like Bishan Park, Destination
Parks in other parts of Singapore, each one with its unique
attractions. So, all over Singapore, whether you're downtown, in
the Marina Bay which is very beautiful or whether you're in the
neighbourhood, whether in the north, in the east, in the west,
there's nothing south of Marina Bay unfortunately, we'll be able to
have nature, we'll have active, beautiful and clean waters."
Mr Lee added the redevelopment of Bishan Park fits into the vision
to transform Singapore into a City in a Garden.
The National Parks Board (NParks) said the concept of Destination
Parks will spearhead the redevelopment of parks in the
future.
About 30 to 35 other parks could fit the model of Destination
Parks.
Poon Hong Yuen, chief executive officer, National Parks Board,
said: "In Destination Parks, you'll probably see elements that are
much more exciting than the normal park. So, for example in the
play element, you would not probably see the standard type of play
equipment, but you will see play experiences that are first of
their kind in Singapore."
Admiralty Park has hilly terrain, which opens up possibilities of a
playground with feature giant slides and climbing slopes.
East Coast Park can be improved to offer more family-oriented
fun.
As for Jurong Lake Park, the presence of a lake can offer a unique
play experience, such as an adventure land connected by
islands.
Some of the park features were suggested by the public as part of
the 4,000 ideas gathered from the City in a Garden public
engagement exercise last August.
In the next few months, NParks will be organising roadshows and
focus group discussions for the public to share their views.
NParks said to help Singaporeans from all over the island enjoy
these Destination Parks, accessibility to these locations will be
enhanced.
Construction of the three Destination Parks could start as early as
next year.
- CNA/ck