Favourite nature walk now blocked

Straits Times Forum 3 Apr 09;

I RECENTLY visited the Upper Peirce Reservoir Park with the intention of taking one of my favourite morning walks across the dam and then along the embankment between the reservoir and the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) golf course.

This is one of the few walks available in Singapore that provide extensive inland vistas. It enables access via the SICC road to the HSBC Treetop Walk and on to MacRitchie Park, creating some longer distance walking opportunities.

However, I found that access to the embankment has been blocked to protect walkers from being hit by golf balls.

It appears that those of us who can neither afford nor wish to play golf are being denied simple pleasures for the benefit of those who can afford and wish to do so.

Moreover, how many people have actually been hit by golf balls while walking along that embankment?

To over-protect people from minuscule risks does seem to be the height of "nanny-ism".

By all means erect a notice warning walkers of the risk, but then allow common sense and responsibility to rule.

Brian Dalby

Why close popular jogging route?
Straits Times Forum 6 Apr 09;

I BELONG to a group of joggers that is disappointed by the closure of a jogging route between MacRitchie and Upper Peirce reservoirs.

My friends and I are not the only ones to be disappointed, as the route is also very popular with many members of the public. The stretch is also part of the route for many running events held at the MacRitchie Reservoir by local clubs.

I have also enjoyed running in that area for the past 25 years.

We would appreciate it if the authorities could clarify the closure.

Steve Choo Weng Moon