Interesting Green: Singapore’s very own Central Park

Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News
From http://www.todayonline.com/PDFViewer/PDF/20120629/2906HNC004.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120629-0000076/Singapores-very-own-Central-Park
By Ashley Chia, ashley@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:46 AM Jun 29, 2012

PHOTO: PM Lee talking to Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan in front of the 30m waterfall.

Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News

PM Lee opens Gardens by the Bay, says it could soon become a city icon

SINGAPORE - Setting aside prime land in Singapore's new downtown to build Gardens by the Bay was no easy decision, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

The land, he said, could have been used for "far more valuable commercial or residential developments right in the middle of the new city".

PHOTO: PM Lee with Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan in the Cloud Forest

Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitttI_oY-QVuI_Y3-FY8K8sucyo5PtLhGAGYlbAT0xEQ2O8ONZ0nKo8HRPdyoZ_cJuM2E9_jtsPZog6kKU8hzuQ8AbC0_pywfadP8crJqUaLNfZ39gJdt76B40j1m-dW5FxrHKNihtNrWq/s1600/Gardens+by+the+Bay+3.jpg
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News

"But our planners in the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) believed that a large and beautiful park was an important element of our new downtown in Marina Bay South, just like Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London."

So after five years of planning and construction, the S$1 billion superpark, which spans 101 hectares of land and boasts three waterfront gardens, is now the latest realisation of Singapore's "City in a Garden" vision.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of one of the gardens - the Bay South - yesterday evening, Mr Lee said that Mr Mah Bow Tan, then Minister for National Development, strongly supported the project as he saw the value in having the Gardens right in the city. It would not just enhance the price of the land in redeveloped Marina Bay but it could become an icon and the "jewel in the skyline of Singapore city".

PHOTO: PM Lee at the Cloud Forest

Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News

Mr Lee also cited the Gardens as one example of how Singapore's living environment is being transformed.

Singapore may be one of the densest cities in the world but the Government is determined that the people are able to live "comfortably, pleasantly, graciously", he said, noting that besides having good homes or efficient public transport, people should also be in touch with nature.

The 54-hectare Bay South Garden, which opens to the public today (29.06.2012), features two cooled conservatories, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest replicates the climate of the Tropical Montane region, while the Flower Dome mirrors the climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid sub tropical regions.

PHOTO: PM Lee and Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan on the 128m-long aerial walkway between two 42m-tall Supertrees

Other highlights include 18 Supertrees with a 128m-long aerial walkway between two 42m-tall Supertrees, the DragonFly Lake and horticultural themed gardens. A host of dining and retail offerings are also available.

"Beyond the 'wow' factor, the Gardens is a place which families, friends and communities can take time out, relax and create new and lasting memories," said Dr Kiat W Tan, Chief Executive Officer of the Gardens.

PHOTO: PM Lee with families, friends and communities, at the Flower Dome

A slew of programmes to celebrate the opening, such as a three-day green fair, a photography contest and workshop, outdoor movie screenings and storytelling for children, will be held from today to July 8.

Live performances by popular American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and local songstress Corrinne May are also in the line-up.

"Our mission is to create a distinctive people's Garden that would be cherished and well patronised," said Dr Tan.

Reference
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Singapore’s very own Central Park