Marking a first in
The transformation of
A joint collaboration between the national water agency and the National Parks Board (NParks), ABC Waters@Kallang
Mr Tan Nguan Sen, PUB’s Director of Catchment and Waterways, said, “By seamlessly integrating
Mr Yeo Meng Tong, NParks' Director of Parks Development added, "Given the opportunity presented by the transformation of the canal beside Bishan Park into an accessible and landscaped waterway, NParks will introduce more community spaces and amenities including water-themed play, into the park for all to enjoy. We will also ensure that the park retains spaces for quiet relaxation, as well as areas for popular group exercises."
The additional facilities in
Bioengineering techniques in
The use of soil bioengineering techniques – or the combination of plant material with traditional engineering –is an ideal solution that combines soil retention function with aesthetics and ecological considerations in the creation of a natural river with landscaped banks. This is the first time these techniques will be applied in urbanised
“As a strong new impulse for the future, an infrastructure that can be appreciated and accessed by citizens which at the same time respects the environment in a sustainable manner also brings about a subtle change in behaviour and thinking,” Mr Herbert Dreiseitl, Founder and Partner from Atelier Dreiseitl asia adds on. “And it is through this change that we can begin to create places which are vibrant, healthy and full of socio-cultural liveliness.
“To integrate the redesigned Kallang River with the park, the interface between the two zones between park and river, urban and nature is carefully considered and designed in a manner to commensurate with the naturalistic character of the river,” said Mr Dreiseitl who worked out the park and river design with his team in collaboration with CH2M Hill Singapore Pte Ltd for the engineering.
The new
ABC Waters design features: A natural way to clean
Plants with natural cleansing properties to treat water, known as ABC Waters design features, have been carefully chosen and will be used at a cleansing biotope in the park as well. These features will beautify the surroundings as well as maintain the water quality of the ponds in the park and the river naturally without the use of chemicals. In addition, a portion of its water is recycled for use for shallow water play in the Water Playground.
“As with all ABC Waters projects, a lot of thought went into planning the new park design. Workshops and consultations with various 3P (people, public, private) partners were held to ensure that the project is developed in a sustainable manner that enhances our living environment and enriches our quality of life. At the same time, we hope that everyone will play a part to keep the park and waters clean, especially since two-thirds of our island will soon become water catchment,” said Mr Tan.
Introduced in 2006, the ABC Waters Programme aims to transform
For more details, please refer to appendix or visit www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be marking the commencement of the project at Bishan Park at the Teck Ghee Lantern Night cum Commencement of ABC Waters@Kallang River-Bishan Park Ceremony held this Saturday, 3 Oct 2009 at Bishan Park II.
About PUB
PUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the water agency that manages
About PUB’s tagline: Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy
PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for
To provide water for all, PUB calls on all Singaporeans to play our part to conserve water, keep our water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so we can enjoy our water resources. We can then have enough water for all uses – for industry, for living, for life.
About National Parks Board (NParks)
National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for providing and enhancing the greenery of the Garden City. Beyond green infrastructure, NParks is committed to enhancing the quality of life through creating memorable recreational experiences and lifestyles.
NParks manages 10% of
As
NParks is also the lead agency in the efforts to continually upgrade the Landscape Industry in
For more information, log on to: www.nparks.gov.sg
2 Oct 2009