Channel NewsAsia 8 Dec 07;
SINGAPORE : For those who fancy taking a stroll, there is now a new 42-kilometre route that will take them from Changi beach, to East Coast Park and Bedok Reservoir.
That is now possible thanks to the Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network. It is a series of pedestrian and cycling paths that link up the parks in the east.
The 8-kilometre stretch between Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park is touted as one of the most scenic part of the network.
Twelve cyclists from the National Development Ministry were the first to try out the new route on Friday.
This same group is heading for a cycling expedition in New Zealand for charity.
The eastern loop is the first of seven to be built over the years.
By 2015, NParks hopes to construct 200km of park connectors - to date, half of that has been built.
More will be added beyond 2015.
NParks' eventual goal is to create a connector network linking up the whole of Singapore.
NParks said it has taken special care to preserve the natural environment.
Kalthom Abdul Latiff, Assistant Director, Park Connectors and Special Projects, NParks, said, "We try to preserve the rustic nature as much as possible. We do not want to change the ambience, (we want to) keep it rustic, so that people will get a different experience." - CNA/ms
Scenic network in the east
Parks linked by new 7.9km connector
Lin Yanqin, Today Online 8 Dec 07;
NO NEED to limit yourself to visiting just one park over the weekend — the newly-completed Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network will allow lovers of the outdoors to visit at least three.
The 42-km network, built at a cost of $22 million, links up the popular East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park and Pasir Ris Park, and other parks in the east, such as Bedok Reservoir Park.
Officially launched by the Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan, the network is the first to be completed out of the planned total of seven throughout the island.
Eventually, major recreational spaces and housing estates will be connected.
The link also provides shortcuts to housing estates, Mass Rapid Transit stations and schools.
The latest stretch of the eastern network to be completed — a scenic 7.9-km route that links Changi Beach Park to East Coast Park — brings the total length of completed park connectors to 100km.
A western park network is in the works. And upcoming inter-park connectors include the Central Catchment Area, Punggol Park and Sungei Pangsua in the west.
Said Mr Mah: "The park connector network is an important part of our plans to transform Singapore into a 'City in a Garden' ... with green lungs set among buildings and built-up facilities.
With the completion of the Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network, Singaporeans can use it to get from their homes to the parks."
For instance, Tampines residents can jog, walk or cycle their way to the popular Pasir Ris Park through the connector.
Taking a spin through the new park connector was a team of 12 cyclists from the Ministry of National Development, who were symbolically flagged off for their 25-day cycling expedition in New Zealand to raise at least $100,000 for charity.
Six parks in east now fully linked
Lin Xinyi, Straits Times 8 Dec 07;
THE final puzzle piece in a $22 million trail network snapped into place yesterday near the Changi Airport.
With the completion of an 8km stretch of bike paths and greenery, the Eastern Coastal Park Connector, officially opened. The 42km network, which took a decade to complete, links six parks in the east.
Outdoor enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the connector, which is part of an ambitious island-wide lattice of parks and trails.
'The Park Connector Network is an important part of our plans to transform Singapore into a City-in-a-Garden,' said Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan yesterday.
'Our vision of Singapore is one where our city is nestled within lush greenery, with green lungs set among buildings and built-up facilities.'
The newest stretch forms part of a loop that links East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park, Pasir Ris Park, Bedok Reservoir Park, Sun Plaza and Bedok Town Park.
The other connectors within the loop are at Siglap, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Loyang, Changi and Bedok.
The Eastern coastal grid is part of the National Parks Board's (NParks) Park Connector Network - an islandwide network of open spaces that link major parks, nature sites and housing estates in Singapore.
Park connectors are usually found alongside the many rivers and canals that flow through the island. They are sometimes used as convenient shortcuts to MRT stations and schools.
The Eastern section is the first of seven loops to be completed, with the Western Park Connector Network expected to be next in line.
Other loops are Kallang- Serangoon, Northern, North Eastern, Southern Ridges and Siglap-Kallang Basin Loops.
So far, 100km of park connectors have been completed, with another 100km set to be built by 2015.
It is uncertain how long the entire network will be and when it will be completed.
The NParks plans to set up a bike rental system in the eastern section where people can rent a two-wheeler at one park and return it at another.
The four proposed drop-off points are in Telok Kurau Park, Bedok Town Park, Pasir Ris Town Park and Changi Beach Park.
The Eastern network has no shortage of scenic spots. Pasir Ris Park boasts a 6ha mangrove forest, while the coastline at Changi Beach Park offers view of the sunset.
A connector near Changi Airport provides glimpses of planes taking off.
Mr Nick Rienstra, 56, who cycles six days a week, welcomed the Eastern link.
Said the retiree: 'Riding on the park connectors is far superior to riding on roads. Not only is it safer, and faster, but the the route is more picturesque.'
'Now, I'm just hoping to spot the A380 airplane the next time round.'
LINKS
List of Park Connectors on the NParks website
RELATED ARTICLE
Connecting with the great outdoors
Tan Hui Yee, Straits Times 2 May 07
