John Lim Today Online 25 Oct 13;
I agree with the views expressed in “Would East Coast Park still be for all to have after redevelopment?” (Oct 21).
I wish to add that many foreign visitors, several of whom are Americans, have praised Singapore for the greenery on the stretch of East Coast Park, which is quite unlike California’s boisterous beaches, for example.
Due to this unique sense of being close to nature, many of them look forward to visiting the park each time they return to Singapore.
If the greenery were to be replaced by entertainment establishments, in the pursuit of commerce, I envisage the park becoming another Phuket or Pattaya, laden with litter and inebriated patrons.
Furthermore, the noise and potential overcrowding would create negative externalities for Marine Parade residents. In a nutshell, this uniquely Singapore beach should be saved.
Parks are more than just event venues
Tay Yong Hong Today Online 25 Oct 13;
I agree with the writer of “Would East Coast Park still be for all to have after redevelopment?” (Oct 21).
I cycle on weekend mornings from eastern Singapore to the Central Business District. Watching a sunrise at Gardens by the Bay or Marina Bayfront is a joyful experience. I use the park connectors, as they are safer than the road, which means I pass through East Coast Park.
However, the increasing use of the park for paid events on weekend mornings, especially around the Lagoon food centre, is inconveniencing users. For example, while a recent triathlon there was no doubt a success for its organiser, many park users were upset that public paths — the beach path, footpath and cycling path — were closed to them.
There were one or two crossing points, but no proper indications for users, and members of the public had to wait for 20 to 30 minutes to pass. Some of them ran through at the expense of a possible accident or injury.
Even if the revenue from these events is being used for redevelopment of the park, the authorities could also find other suitable venues, such as the site slated for the Changi Motorsports Hub, for such activities.
