Coney Island Park opens to the public

Community participates in habitat enhancements through CGSG50 Mass Tree Planting

The new Coney Island Park, located off the north eastern coast of Singapore, is now open to public.  The 50 ha park, built on the principles of environmental sustainability, seeks to enhance and protect the wide variety of habitats found in the area. The park was launched by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan this morning, who joined over 150 participants from various corporate and community groups to plant more than 100 trees.

At the park, visitors may come up close with a wide variety of biodiversity, including several nationally threatened species such as birds like the Rusty-breasted Cuckoo and Spotted Wood-Owl, as well as dragonflies like the Sultan and Lined Forest-Skimmer. Visitors may also access the beach at five areas that showcase plants of different themes.   

To maintain the rustic character of the park, several environmental initiatives were adopted during development. For example, toilets at the park are zero-energy and self-sufficient. Electricity used to power the pumps for the toilets is generated from solar power. Water used for toilet flushing and hand washing is harvested from rainwater and diffused sunlight is used to provide light indoors. Casuarina timber from uprooted trees were also collected and recycled into park signages, seats, benches, boardwalk, as well as exhibits.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan, said: “The fact that these uncommon species, spotted wood-owl and Brahman bull, are now found in Singapore shows that our efforts in conserving our habitat and enhancing our biodiversity are paying off. All these would not be possible without community support. Our public agencies, private corporations, NGOs and the community are all working together to protect our precious habitats.” 

Singtel’s contribution of S$150,000 goes towards tree planting as well as accompanying educational panels. The panels are designed to help the public learn more about plants in coastal habitats. “Our tree planting efforts today reflect Singtel’s on-going commitment to manage and reduce our environmental footprint across our business operations — from our own day-to-day operations to those of our suppliers. We have a responsibility to take care of the environment even as we go about our work and we’ve taken steps to address climate change and proactively engage our stakeholders on environmental issues,” said Mr Andrew Buay, Singtel Vice President of Group Corporate Social Responsibility and Talent Coach, “We are very honoured to be able to play a role in supporting the broader community through education and raising awareness of the environment.”  

Mr Han Jok Kwang, a long time NParks volunteer and supporter also raised and donated S$150,000 to the Garden City Fund in conjunction with his 30th wedding anniversary celebrations. The amount will fund the planting of the coastal trees, as well as educational signs at the park. The additional plantings will serve to enhance habitats in the park.

The development of Coney Island Park forms part of the government’s overall plan for Coney Island. The southeastern part of Coney Island is zoned for sports and recreational use in the Urban Redevelopment Authority Masterplan. An interim park is planned for the western end of the island.

At the event, Minister Khaw Boon Wan also presented awards to the overall winner of the Singapore Garden Photographer of the Year Photo (SGPY) Competition, as well as the winners for Themes 3 (People and Nature) and 4 (Our BiodiverCity) of the competition. All winning SGPY photos will be displayed at City Square Mall from 12 to 23 October 2015.