The Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) was set up in 1975, by merging the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Parks and Trees Unit under Ministry of National Development. In the same year, the Parks and Trees Act was passed. The Act set out the guidelines for promoting and maintaining the greenery of Singapore, which included the conservation of trees in designated Tree Conservation Areas, and a mandatory landscaping component in any proposed land development. The PRD was later replaced by the National Parks Board (NPARKS) in June 1990.
