The National Parks Board will Develop Destination Parks for Singapore

Public urged to contribute to this new initiative under the City in a Garden framework

Singapore, 17 March 2012 - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced plans to develop Destination Parks for Singapore.

This initiative by the National Parks Board (NParks) is in line with one of the key areas of the City in a Garden vision - rejuvenate urban parks and enliven our streetscape.

Destination Parks are large regional parks developed thematically to attract Singaporeans from all over the island.  They will feature recreational elements not usually found in public parks.  Some of these park features were suggested by the public as part of the 4,000 ideas gathered from the City in a Garden public engagement exercise launched by NParks last August.

Three parks have been identified for development into Destination Parks: Admiralty Park, East Coast Park and Jurong Lake Park.  These parks were selected based on geographical location - one each in the North, East and West - and their unique characteristics.  The Destination Parks are expected to be developed within the next three to five years.

In the next few months, NParks will be organising roadshows and focus groups discussions for the public to give their views on Destination Parks. The public can also share their suggestions with NParks at www.nparks.gov.sg/ciag. NParks will then evaluate these ideas and incorporate suitable ones into the development plans.

Prime Minister's announcement was made at the official opening of Bishan Park.  More than 2000 residents and community groups were present at the celebrations, which featured a mass brisk walk, performances and exhibitions.