Crowd Management at Parks during COVID-19 Pandemic
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Liang Eng Hwa’s inquiry regarding the surge in nature park visitors during the pandemic and strategies to mitigate overcrowding and residential disamenities. Minister of State Tan Kiat How confirmed the increase and detailed management efforts such as real-time monitoring, temporary closures, and the Safe Distance@Parks portal. For parks near residential areas, Minister of State Tan Kiat How highlighted measures including increased patrols, etiquette signage, and the suspension of organized group activities during peak hours. He further noted that the National Parks Board collaborates with agencies and grassroots organizations to address resident feedback while promoting social responsibility. To manage future demand, Minister of State Tan Kiat How shared plans to expand the park network to better distribute visitors across more recreational spaces.
Transcript
7 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there has been a sharp increase in the number of visitors to the nature parks during the pandemic period; (b) what can be done to manage overcrowding and over-utilisation of the parks; and (c) whether more can be done to minimise disamenities to immediate residential areas due to high visitations of some popular parks.
The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Tan Kiat How) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, there has indeed been an increase in the number of visitors to our public parks, including nature parks, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To actively manage visitor levels, the National Parks Board (NParks) carries out real-time crowd monitoring and control, and closes crowded parks or park areas for a period of time if needed. NParks also provides real-time updates on park visitor levels online via its Safe Distance@Parks portal so that visitors can check crowd levels before going to the parks.
For popular parks that are located near residential areas, NParks has implemented measures to reduce potential disamenities to residents. These include increasing patrols during peak periods and displaying signs to remind park users of proper park etiquette and regulations. Organised group activities are also not allowed during peak periods at selected parks to manage the visitor levels. NParks also works closely with other Government agencies and grassroots organisations where relevant, to address the residents' feedback. We would like to remind park users to be socially responsible towards other park users as well as residents living in the surrounding areas, so that all of us can continue to enjoy these public spaces.
NParks will continue to expand the network of parks, including nature parks, so that more Singaporeans can enjoy nature-based recreation. This will also help to spread out the demand for such recreational experiences.
12.30 pm
Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. Introduction of Government Bills. Second Minister for Finance.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos 9-16, 18-21, 23, 26-29 and 31-32 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix. Question Nos 8, 17, 22, 24-25 and 30 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 25 February 2021.]