The binoculars and cameras were out, and so was the sun as more than 700 residents and students trekked through lush greenery yesterday amid wildlife.
Along with Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan and advisers to the Tampines grassroots organisations (GROs), they spent their Sunday morning enjoying a sneak peek at the newly opened Tampines Eco Green.
The 36.5ha ecologically themed park made up of marshland, ponds and secondary rainforest is home to 70 species of birds, 13 species of dragonflies and 12 species of butterflies. Only 2.5ha of the land is actually developed with any park amenities, with the rest left natural.
The park, true to its Eco Green name, uses recycled materials in its signs, benches and bird hides; it even features a first-of-its-kind public park eco-toilet, which converts human waste into compost using bacteria and wood shavings.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli, an adviser to Tampines GROs who was on the task force that developed the idea for the park, said Mr Sin Boon Ann, the outgoing MP for Tampines GRC, had suggested building a path around this piece of land that nature had taken over.
‘It would be a wonderful place for residents to have their recreation in a very natural setting that we have lost all over Singapore, as well as a place for students to learn in an authentic environment,’ said Mr Masagos, who is also Minister of State for Education and Home Affairs.
‘So without disturbing the ecology, making it accessible but not intrusive, we have come up with this concept which I think is really wonderful.’
Asked what the main attractions are, Mr Masagos added: ‘If you come early in the morning, there are more than 70 species of birds. Bring your binoculars, your cameras. Certainly, if you can’t see them, you can hear them. If you just walk around, you won’t know that you are in Singapore.’
The new park complements the existing Sun Plaza Park, which offers amenities for community activities, and Tampines Bike Park, with its bike trail.
The visit was organised by the National Parks Board to mark the International Year of Forests and Earth Day.
