[ad_1]
SINGAPORE: The first phase of Singapore’s longest inter-island trail, a 62 km route running from Changi to Tuas, will be completed in 2025, the National Parks Board (NParks) said in a press release on Thursday (4 of March).
Called the South Coast to Coast Road (C2C), it is one of four new recreational routes that will open to the public in the coming years.
This is part of broader efforts to achieve Singapore’s vision of becoming a ‘city in nature’.
Announcing the initiative in Parliament, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said: “Greening our city has always been part of Singapore’s DNA, which we must continue to manage for generations to come.
“This will also help mitigate the effects of climate change and urbanization, and improve the living environment for all Singaporeans.”
LEE: Singapore will plant 170,000 more trees in industrial estates over the next 10 years
In addition to the south trail, there will be a 25 km long C2C north trail from Khatib Bongsu to Sungei Buloh, linking the Central and Sungei Buloh natural park networks.
The first phase of this trail will be completed in 2026, and the entire route will be ready by 2030, NParks said.
These two east-west trails will complement the existing coast-to-coast trail, which will be renamed the C2C Central Trail.
Island-wide trail map and recreational connectivity. (Photo: National Parks Board)
EAST CORRIDOR AND CENTRAL CORRIDOR
Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy two new north-south corridors.
The 18km East Corridor connecting East Coast Park to Pasir Ris, passing through the Bedok Reservoir, will be ready by the last quarter of 2021.
Meanwhile, the 34 km Central Corridor from Woodlands to downtown will open in phases and be completed in 2030.
“When fully completed, (these trails) will allow Singaporeans to explore nature across the island, through 360 km of selected trails,” said NParks, who had previously set a goal of 500 km. of park connectors by 2030.
“(The trails) will connect communities and create a sense of space many times beyond our little island-state.
“It will also contribute to Singapore’s goal of allowing 100 percent of households to live within a 10-minute walk of a park by 2030,” the agency said.
READ: Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network to be Established, Including New Lim Chu Kang Nature Park
These routes will also help “improve ecological connectivity between our natural habitats, helping to strengthen Singapore’s ecological resilience,” NParks said.
The agency added that overall, more than S $ 315 million will go towards expanding and improving trails across the island from now until 2026. This sum will also be used to develop new parks and remodel existing ones.
DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION OF PARKS, GARDENS
Specifically, its goal is to develop more than 130ha of new parks and rebuild around 170ha of existing ones by 2026.
“These will feature enhanced vegetation and improved facilities, providing Singaporeans with access to lush greenery and nature,” NParks said.
He added that he will also work with PUB to “naturalize waterways and bodies of water when feasible.”
“This is a nature-based solution that can improve flood resistance for nearby homes and properties while beautifying the environment and providing habitats for biodiversity,” NParks said.
READ: A new central green corridor will be created connecting East Coast Park and Changi Beach Park: Heng Swee Keat
One of the new parks to be developed is located at Teachers’ Estate in Upper Thomson.
By linking the Central Basin Nature Reserve with the Lower Seletar Reservoir, the park will include the forested area in the existing mound, which will be preserved and enhanced, NParks said.
An example of a park that will be restored and improved is Mount Faber Park.
NParks hopes to improve pedestrian connectivity from Henderson Waves to Faber Peak, as well as enhance biodiversity there by conserving native plant and animal species.
