Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia 25 Jul 09;
SINGAPORE: Visitors to MacRitchie Reservoir can expect more exciting enhancements, even as it celebrates the completion of phase one of its makeover.
The improvements are all part of PUB's Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters programme to turn Singapore's network of drains, canals and reservoirs into beautiful streams, rivers and lakes.
Singapore's oldest reservoir underwent its makeover in January 2007. A new multi-storey carpark for some 300 lots, an amenities centre and an improved floating pontoon for kayakers were completed under phase one of the makeover.
To enable the public to enjoy the view of the reservoir, a previously-closed dam is now open and acrylic panels have been installed on the grilles by the side of the dam.
The completion ceremony for the phase one makeover was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Saturday morning.
Mr Teo also announced further enhancements to the reservoir under phase two, works for which will start in the last quarter of this year. These include construction of a new food and beverage outlet at the hilltop, landscaping and improvements to the bandstand area. Phase two upgrading works are expected to be completed by mid-2011.
During the ceremony, Mr Teo also met staff of MediaCorp which has adopted the reservoir as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
MediaCorp staff volunteer as park guides to educate visitors on the reservoir's flora and fauna, as well as conduct nature walks around the reservoir.
- CNA/ir
More to enjoy with MacRitchie revamp
Debbie Yong, Straits Times 26 Jul 09;
The people's park just got better.
A new multi-storey carpark, a sheltered amenities centre and a spacious warm-up area are some of the new facilities you can enjoy at MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
This Phase1 upgrading of our oldest reservoir started in January 2007 and was completed this month. It cost $12million.
'MacRitchie has grown with Singaporeans over the years into a heritage and repository of our shared memories,' said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean at the completion ceremony yesterday.
Phase2 upgrading will involve improvements to the bandstand and internal roads and footpaths, as well as the redevelopment of food-and-beverage outlets.
Work will begin in the fourth quarter of this year and is expected to be completed in 2011.
'The Government can provide the recreational infrastructure; the sustainability of these facilities depends on the public's response,' said Mr Teo.
Mr Yap Kheng Guan, director of the PUB's 3P network department, said Phase1 concentrated on areas near the park's entrance.
'The entrance is what visitors first see, so we wanted to establish a good starting point for them,' he said.
Wood from the old shower and toilet facilities, which have been torn down, was used for benches for the amenities centre.
Rainwater collected from the carpark's upper deck is filtered to remove impurities and pumped back into the reservoir.
Park users are well pleased. Said business development manager Lee Woon Jeong, 39, who visits the park every three months with his wife and two daughters: 'I'm glad there are ample parking lots now. It allows us to focus on exercising instead of wasting time waiting in the carpark.'
Previously, the three outdoor carparks could accommodate 190 cars and he spent 20 minutes waiting for a lot. With the current 300 lots, it takes him only five minutes to find parking space.
Jogger Choo Ling Er, 21, likes the covered shelter. 'I used to stop running and go home if it rained very heavily but at least there is now a place to wait for the rain to stop so I can continue,' said the polytechnic student.
