Enhancing The Visitor Experience at MacRitchie Reservoir

An enhanced experience with nature now awaits visitors at the MacRitchie Reservoir. Phase I of the makeover to MacRitchie Reservoir, which includes a new multi-storey carpark, an amenities centre and an improved floating pontoon for kayakers to launch their kayaks, was recently completed.

The improvements, which are part of PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme, were officially declared completed by Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean on Saturday, 25th July. DPM Teo also introduced improvement works for Phase II, which will commence in 2010.

Minister of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim pointing out water activities that take place at MacRitchie Reservoir to DPM Mr Teo Chee Hean.

Green Car Park

With the enhancements, visitors are now greeted by a multi-storey green car park that serves both form and function. The multi-storey car park consists of 300 lots which is 110 more than the previous three car parks combined. More importantly, the multi-storey car park has allowed for more space to be opened up for park visitors’ enjoyment.

Reservoir Road is now vehicle-free and park visitors need not meander through cars along it. In addition, rainwater that is collected from the upper deck of the carpark is channelled to a bioswale. Comprising plants and soil, the bioswale removes impurities in the rainwater so that clean water is eventually conveyed to the Marina Reservoir.

Amenities Centre

The amenities centre is a welcomed addition to the reservoir park. Equipped with shower stalls, a food and beverage kiosk, a warm up area and an announcement stage, visitors and joggers alike can freshen up after their exercise sessions.

In building the car park and amenities centre, careful design and planning was undertaken to preserve large trees and ensure that the new infrastructure blends in with the reservoir’s lush greenery. The focal point of the new facilities is a miniature simulation of MacRitchie Reservoir. The landscaped pond is a demonstration of how water can be cleansed naturally by the plants before it is channelled into the main reservoir.

Being Mindful of Environmental Sustainability

“Phase I of the makeover of MacRitchie Reservoir concentrated mainly on the entrance, so that we could create a gateway to nature. In all the enhancement works, we were mindful of preserving MacRitchie’s natural heritage as the place holds special meaning in the hearts of many Singaporeans. We have also taken environmental sustainability into account in designing many of the features. For example, timber and rubble from the old toilet building were recycled for use in the new amenities centre and warm up deck. The amenities centre also has a special roof designed to promote the growth of creepers which will provide natural insulation,” said Mr Tan Nguan Sen, Director for Catchment and Waterways.

Recognising the Water Network Members

As part of the completion event, PUB’s Water Network members were recognised for their contributions in the makeover. Appointed by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, members meet three to four times a year to share information and give feedback on PUB policies and programmes.

In 2005, members of the Water Network were invited to give their comments on the MacRitchie Reservoir concept plan. They provided valuable feedback on the MacRitchie Reservoir concept plan and their feedback helped ensure that the enhancements not only added value to the place but also retained the unique character of MacRitchie which is cherished by many Singaporeans.

Declaring MacRitchie as a Litter-Free Reservoir Park

In addition, MacRitchie Reservoir Park was also declared a litter-free reservoir park during the event. An initiative mooted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and National Parks Board (NParks), visitors to the park are encouraged to keep the reservoir park clean by taking personal ownership of their unwanted items and using the litter bins provided instead of disposing of it in on the park grounds or in the water.

Event organisers at MacRitchie Reservoir will also be encouraged to make regular announcements to remind their participants of their personal responsibility in keeping the place litter-free.

MacRitchie Reservior, Where We Will Be

Private organisations and various schools have also come on board to adopt MacRitchie Reservoir. They are involved in keeping the reservoir and its surrounding park clean as well as enjoying the venue for their various activities. For example, MediaCorp conducts monthly nature walks for their staff and members of the public, while Catholic High Secondary School has done clean-ups of the reservoir park. Students from the school have also left their mark on a community wall at the Amenities Centre. Eighteen of them have expressed themselves in the form of an abstract painting on the importance of water in the lives of human beings.

Fringe community activities organised as part of the Completion Ceremony included bird watching sessions led by the Nature Society of Singapore and nature walks by MediaCorp. There was also an exhibition of photographs of Singapore’s waterways, taken by young amateur photographers from NYAA (National Youth Achievement Awards), displayed on the community wall.

Up Next…!

Visitors can look forward to more exciting enhancements to come in Phase II of MacRitchie’s makeover. Under Phase II, the construction of a new food and beverage outlet at the hilltop, landscaping and improvements to the bandstand will commence in 2010.