Latest family hangout spot
Once a warehouse site, the Woodlands Waterfront was officially opened yesterday – providing residents in the north with a scenic 9-hectare coastal park with a 1.5-km-long waterfront.
Visitors will be treated to the sight of rolling greenery and a panoramic view of Johor Baru’s skyline while enjoying the sea breeze.
The $19-million project took about two years to complete.
About three hectares were opened to the public when the first phase of the waterfront was completed last May.
The park was unveiled yesterday by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is also a Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC. Said Mr Khaw: “This waterfront project is a beautiful addition to our neighbourhood. We are one of the few constituencies with a very long waterfront.” He hopes that residents will use the park often for exercise and leisure with their family and friends.
Yesterday’s official launch saw the opening of the 700-metre long waterfront promenade with fitness stations and lookout points.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it had to design the landscape to showcase the park’s main attraction – the waterfront area.
URA group director of conservation and development services Ler Seng Ann said: “(We) created a unique playground area using the contour of the land. When you arrive at the park, you do not see the waterfront – until you enter the event plaza, and that’s when the waterfront is unveiled.”
Reception
Sembawang GRC resident, Hamidah Salleh, said: “We came here a few times during the night. It’s very alive and vibrant at night itself. You don’t expect that at 11 and 12 o’clock (at night) but there’s still a lot of people here barbecuing, fishing and playing around. It’s quite fun, I like the atmosphere.”
Madam Hamidah said another feature of the park she likes is the multi-generational playground.
“The playground is suitable for all ages, even for the elderly. There’s a lot of exercise equipment they can use to do a bit of movement. So I think you can bring grandma, grandpa, little children (here). Everybody can enjoy here. I think that’s what I like about this place.”
She said: “There is still a lot of people around, barbecuing and fishing and playing around. It’s fun, I like the atmosphere.”
Looking ahead
Mr Ler said consultation with the residents ensured that the park’s features met their needs. And there are plans for similar projects in the near future, he added.
Said Mr Ler: “One of the areas we will be looking at will be the Yishun area. We are planning to rejuvenate the area, so hopefully residents can have an added facility to enjoy themselves.”
Referring to the Northern Explorer Park Connector Network – a-25-km loop linking parks and nature sites in northern Singapore – Mr Ler said the longer term plan was to link up parks and natures sites islandwide.
Source: todayonline, channelnewsasia
