destination park

Design a park, anyone?

Section:	News Flash
By:	RACHEL CHANG
Publication:	The Straits Times 18/03/2012
Page:	1
No. of words:	670

Making Singapore an inclusive society can start with ideas for new parks, says PM

There is a part of Kallang River that now runs through Bishan Park.

Previously encased in a concrete canal at the edge of the park, it now meanders through the greenery, teeming with fish that tantalise aspiring young fishermen.

Against this backdrop of the rejuvenated 24-year-old park, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday announced that change will come to three other parks too: Admiralty Park, East Coast Park and Jurong Lake Park.

But this time, it will be Singaporeans who decide what these "Destination Parks", as the National Parks Board (NParks) has termed them, will become.

"Help us co-create our national plans," urged Mr Lee, also an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, at the opening of the redeveloped park, renamed Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, yesterday.

The three new Destination Parks in the northern, eastern and western parts of Singapore, will become green hubs, and could feature unique elements such as giant slides and adventure playgrounds that are not usually found in public parks.

But these are mere suggestions from NParks to start the ball rolling. "Share with the National Parks your ideas," said Mr Lee. "What do you want to see in your parks? More facilities for old people? More slides for young people? More nature (or) food and drink options?"

"Not just ideas for the physical landscape but for developing an open and neighbourly culture," he added.

"Let's work hard to make this a truly inclusive society."

In fact, NParks is announcing the new initiative earlier than usual, precisely because it is determined to use public feedback to shape the parks, said its chief executive Poon Hong Yuen yesterday.

What each Destination Park will finally contain, how much redevelopment it will undergo, and even what the budget is, have yet to be decided, he said. There may even be more than three in the end, if the public so desires.

NParks is planning to complete the initiative in three to five years, stretching to 10, if more parks are built.

It will go on a massive public engagement drive in the next six months, involving roadshows and focus-group sessions.

Members of the public can also share their views at www.nparks. gov.sg/ciag.

The initiative is part of the Govenment's commitment to make Singapore the "best home", said PM Lee yesterday.

"After all, Singapore is not just defined by tall buildings or skylines, or even exciting events like F1," he said. "But rather by the places where we grew up, the people we meet daily and the community spaces we enjoy together."

It is especially important to improve the living environment in the heartland through projects like upgrading homes and transport networks, as that is where "we raise our families, forge new memories and strengthen our emotional ties".

The Government, he added, "cannot do this alone; all of us must take ownership of our shared home".

Mr Lee cited examples of active citizenry already taking place around the green spaces in Singapore. For instance, a volunteer group known as the "Friends of Kallang River @ Bishan Park" patrols it on weekends and cleans it up quarterly.

"I hope to see many more such examples because Singapore is our home and it's up to all of us to make the best of it."

Members of the public yesterday welcomed the Destination Parks initiative.

Architect Felicia Ow, 28, said she hoped they would become places unlike anywhere else in Singapore. "Then people would definitely travel there for the experience, like what Punggol is now."

"I think it's good to make the parks more interesting," said fast-food restaurant worker Ng Choon Lui, 56. "But I also hope that the parks do not become so built up with structures that we lose the feeling of greenery all around and open spaces, because that's why my friends and I go to the park."

rchang@sph.com.sg