Cascade of Fun
A community that forms a bond with water is likely to cherish and take ownership of this precious resource. In a strategic move, PUB has come up with creative ways to bring people closer to Singapore’s blue assets.
photo: Steve Zhu art direction: Steve Thio styling: Steven Kong hair & makeup: Jeannie Yong clothes: Puma models: Lilian Lim & Chua Chong Tzeh
Whether it’s wakeboarding at Bedok Reservoir, canoeing at Kallang River, mass yoga at Upper Peirce Reservoir or catching an arts performance on the waters of Boat Quay, these fun and interactive activities will make participants and audiences better appreciate water.
This is all part of PUB’s strategic objective to get people closer to water so that they will develop a relationship with it. “By allowing people to get close to water and to enjoy the recreational activities it can offer, they will bond with it and in time to come, learn to value our waters by keeping them clean,” said Mr Yap Kheng Guan, PUB’s Director of 3P Network.
Adding further excitement to Singapore’s waterscape are PUB’s plans to create more vibrant community spaces through its Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme, a long-term initiative to transform Singapore’s waterbodies into beautiful and vibrant streams, rivers and lakes.
Wakeboarding at Bedok Reservoir is a popular activity.
More than 20 projects will be implemented islandwide in the next five years, with 14 projects up for development in the next two years. This will provide many opportunities for everyone to interact with water in aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
As Singapore’s bevy of ‘blue treasures’ take on new life as centres of activity and venues for community bonding, we take a look at how some of its reservoirs and rivers have and will become vibrant playgrounds of fun.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HANGOUT
As part of the ABC Waters programme, a 200m stretch of the Kallang River at Kolam Ayer was given a makeover in April 2008. Featuring look-out decks, boardwalks and interactive water features such as the Archimedes Screw and water wheel, the makeover is aimed at bringing people closer to water.
Named Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront, this pilot project is the first to be completed under PUB’s ABC Waters programme and the first to be managed by the residents of Kolam Ayer.
Said PUB’s Mr Yap: “The completion of the pilot ABC Waters project at Kolam Ayer marks an important milestone. It has demonstrated the myriad of possibilities in the transformation of Singapore’s reservoirs and waterways into beautiful and clean streams, rivers and lakes.”
With the Kolam Ayer community managing the project, it is hoped their involvement will lead to a sense of ownership of this public space. “The Kallang River is one of six rivers that feed into the Marina Reservoir. It is thus very important to galvanise residents to want to protect the water as the water here will soon be part of Singapore’s water supply,” added Mr Yap.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim at the opening ceremony of the Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront project.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (fourth from right) at the Sengkang Floating Island groundbreaking ceremony.
An artist’s impression of the fruit-themed Sengkang Floating Island.
Kolam Ayer residents have formed interest groups to manage and plan activities geared at adding vibrancy to this neighbourhood hangout. For instance, residents can go kayaking during community or festive events; morning exercises can be held at the floating deck with a soothing view of the waters. Moreover, schools within the vicinity will manage the public education of the ABC Waters programme as well as conduct river patrols and organise river clean-ups.
Mdm Oon Bee Mun, a Kolam Ayer resident for 38 years is pleased about the estate’s new face. “We are very excited about the completion of the project and my family looks forward to using the new facilities. We feel good to be able to enjoy waterfront living in the HDB heartland.”
FRUITS OF LABOUR
When the new Punggol Reservoir in the northeast of Singapore is completed in 2010, its main highlight will be the Sengkang Floating Island, the first of its kind to be built in a reservoir. Developed around a fruit theme, the man-made island will feature a large mangosteen pavilion, lime seats and peer-through orange slices with a view of the waters beneath.
A signature project under the ABC Waters programme, the Sengkang Floating Island, about half the size of a football field, will sit in the middle of the Punggol Reservoir. A wetland will be built on this island, turning it into a natural habitat for birds and fishes, and an educational opportunity for visitors. The public can access the island via a footbridge on one bank or a floating boardwalk on the opposite bank. Connecting the new Sengkang Park and Anchorvale Community Club, the Sengkang Floating Island will be a focal point for residents in the vicinity.
“We are looking at creative ways to bring people closer to the water and the floating island at Sengkang is an example of that with its refreshing setting,” said PUB’s Director of Catchment and Waterways, Mr Tan Nguan Sen. “By bringing water and people together, we hope to inspire and motivate everyone to take care of our precious water resource by using it wisely and keeping it clean.”
In a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2008, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong marked the start of the project’s construction by releasing the first piece of the floating island into the waters.
Said Mr Raymond Chia, Chairman of the Citizens’ Consultative Committee of Sengkang West Constituency: “We are very excited about these developments in Sengkang, especially the new Punggol Reservoir that will enhance the environment and bring waterfront living to our residents. The floating island will be an important link between the new facilities and with its interesting fruit theme, it will surely become an icon for Sengkang.”
A mass yoga workout was conducted at Upper Peirce Reservoir to commemorate World Water Day.
AT ‘OM’ WITH WATER
Apart from being a venue for water sports, reservoirs are also an ideal backdrop for fun and interactive activities. Upper Peirce Reservoir was the tranquil and scenic setting for Yoga By the Water, a mass yoga workout, held in March 2008, to commemorate World Water Day. The event attracted 250 participants including Guest-of-Honour Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Water-based performances like Water Fools and Hydro Sapiens are a creative way of bringing people to the water.
Said Dr Khor: “Yoga By the Water shows us the wonderful possibilities that can happen at our reservoirs. Reservoirs are no longer just places for water storage.
Singaporeans can enjoy these blue assets by having a variety of fun and healthy activities at reservoirs.”
The unusual reservoir location got the thumbs up from many participants. Said yoga instructor Michelle Wee: “Leading a yoga workout here in the open is so refreshing. The air at the reservoir is very clean and fresh. You hear real birds chirping, you see the sunlight reflecting on the water, you instantly feel a sense of serenity and happiness.”
Also marking the first anniversary of PURE, PUB’s street magazine targeted at young adults to interest them in water issues, the event was organised in response to readers’ request for a reservoir activity. “The young are our future and we are happy that through PURE, we are able to raise their awareness of the importance of protecting our water resources,” added Dr Khor.
IT’S SHOWTIME!
Water theatre makes a splash in Singapore with performances like Water Fools and Hydro Sapiens, giving audiences even more reasons to connect with water.
Organised in conjunction with the Singapore Arts Festival, Water Fools by French street theatre group, Ilotopie, was performed at Boat Quay on 23 and 25 May 2008. Revolving around the seemingly ordinary journey of a man to the Singapore River, the visually spectacular performance was dramatised by fireworks, massive sets and water creatures inhabiting the river.
Meanwhile, Bedok Reservoir was the setting for award-winning Dutch theatre group The Lunatics. The troupe’s water fantasy, Hydro Sapiens, premiered in Singapore from 20–22 June 2008 as part of the Singapore Arts Festival Closing Celebrations, in conjunction with the Singapore International Water Week.
Why doesn’t sweat taste sweet? Why do humans still need water even though 80 per cent of our bodies are made up of water? Hydro Sapiens took audiences through a series of entertaining explorations, presenting water in fascinating new light.
“I really liked the Water Fools performance at the Singapore River. It was an eye-opener to see water becoming a stage for arts performances. It also makes me realise the importance of keeping the water litter-free so we can enjoy more of such performances amid clean and scenic waters,” said 19-year-old student Zeng Qi Jia.
THE RIGHT SPORT
Bedok Reservoir Park has long been popular with joggers and cyclists. In recent years, the reservoir itself has been transformed into a hub for water-based activities like wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, dragonboating and kayaking. Water Venture at Bedok Reservoir, a kayaking and canoeing centre located in the park, offers opportunities for visitors to experience the water upclose. Hosting international competitions such as the Wakeboard World Cup Singapore has further boosted the reservoir’s profile and popularity.
Situated along the banks of the reservoir is Forest Adventure, an aerial course that is the first in the world to allow enthusiasts to literally fly over the water’s surface via four zip lines, popularly known as flying foxes. This adventure course also features swings, rope ladders, nets, trapezes, bridges and slides.
KNOW YOUR ABCs
In line with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s vision of Singapore as a City of Gardens and Water, PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme aims to transform our waterways into shimmering community spaces. Here are more developments in the pipeline.
LOWER SELETAR RESERVOIR
A water stage for outdoor cultural shows and performances will be built.
A heritage bridge with viewing galleries will span the reservoir, offering visitors scenic views.
PANDAN RESERVOIR
Competitive water activities such as rowing, sailing and kayaking will take place as Pandan Reservoir transforms into a key water sports venue. Floating decks and viewing platforms will provide close-up views of activities on the reservoir.
BISHAN PARK CANAL
Under a joint ABC Waters project between PUB and the National Parks Board, the huge concrete canal at Bishan Park will be transformed into a river with landscaped banks. Rivulets, drawing water from Kallang River, will be created inland so residents can touch and play with water.
JURONG LAKE
A waterfront promenade, water feature deck and boardwalks will allow people to get closer to water, while a storyboard will showcase the development of Jurong Lake. There will also be a geyser in the main waterbody of Jurong Lake, and wetlands to soften the shoreline.
ALEXANDRA CANAL
A deck with a series of wetlands will be built over part of the canal. Water for the wetlands will be taken from the canal and treated before being channelled back to the canal, providing opportunities for neighbouring schools to conduct outdoor classes. Look-out decks will also be placed strategically along the canal to serve as community gathering points.
TV star Felicia Chin has fun zipping above the water at Bedok Reservoir.
A water stage for outdoor cultural shows and performances will be built.
A heritage bridge with viewing galleries will span the reservoir,
offering visitors scenic views.
A waterfront promenade, water feature deck and boardwalks will allow people to get closer to water, while a storyboard will showcase the development of Jurong Lake. There will also be a geyser in the main waterbody of Jurong Lake, and wetlands to soften the shoreline.
