The Springleaf Nature Park, the first of four new nature parks around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, was launched last Saturday by Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee.
The development of these parks, which include Chestnut, Thomson and Windsor Nature Parks, will help reduce visitorship pressure on the Reserve by providing an alternative venue for the public to enjoy nature-related activities.
The 6ha Springleaf Nature Park was formerly part of the Chan Chu Kang village – named after the headman Chan Ah Lak who acquired the land near Seletar River in 1850 to cultivate gambier and pepper.
The area is rich in biodiversity, and serves as a habitat for over 80 species of resident and migratory birds.
Various amenities have been built such as a rest shelter, toilets, carpark, and trail network with an observation deck for bird-watching activities.
MP for Nee Soon GRC, Dr Lee Bee Wah said: “Nature plays a key role in improving the quality of our living environment. I am confident that Springleaf Nature Park will be an endearing place for our community where residents can learn about our natural heritage and enjoy nature-related activities together.”
Meanwhile, works for the 80ha Chestnut Nature Park will start by the end of this year and is expected to be completed by 2016. Details on the Thomson and Windsor Nature Parks will be released at a later date.
There are currently two parks created as green buffers around Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – the first being Hindhede Nature Park which was opened in 2001, followed by Dairy Farm Nature Park in 2009.
Photo by NParks.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor of PropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email: romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
