Effectiveness of New Towns' Public Spaces in Promoting Outdoor Activity and Family Bonding in Line with Grow Well SG
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Choo Pei Ling’s inquiry regarding the design and evaluation of public spaces in new towns like Tengah to support child well-being under Grow Well SG. Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat stated that HDB incorporates thematic playgrounds, 3-Generation facilities, and co-located care centers to encourage inter-generational interaction and healthy lifestyles. Green connectors such as the Plantation and Garden Farmways are also utilized to facilitate outdoor physical activity and strengthen community relationships. To evaluate effectiveness, HDB conducts five-yearly Sample Household Surveys, Post-Occupancy Surveys for new Build-To-Order developments, and observational studies. These insights ensure town designs evolve to meet the changing needs of families and successfully nurture healthy habits in children.
Transcript
22 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) how public spaces in new towns, such as Tengah, are designed to promote outdoor activity and family bonding in line with Grow Well SG; and (b) how their effectiveness in supporting child well-being is evaluated.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) provides a variety of public spaces and recreational facilities in our towns to promote outdoor activity and family bonding, in line with Grow Well SG.
Tengah town, for instance, has thematic and colourful playgrounds that encourage families to bring their children outdoors, promoting physical activity over sedentary indoor activities. These playgrounds are part of 3-Generation facilities, co-located with adult and elderly fitness stations. Where possible, childcare and senior care facilities are also co-located to increase inter-generational interaction. These initiatives cultivate strong family and community relationships and reinforce healthy lifestyles, contributing to our children's overall well-being.
Tengah Town also features the Plantation and Garden Farmways, which serve as green connectors designed to bring residents together.
Effectiveness of these provisions is assessed through various means. For instance, HDB conducts the Sample Household Survey once every five years to gather residents' feedback, including their satisfaction with the facilities available. Beyond collaborations with research institutions, HDB also conducts Post-Occupancy Surveys for all newly completed Build-To-Order developments, as well as focus group discussions and observational studies. These insights inform continual improvements, ensuring spaces evolve to meet changing family needs and complement Grow Well SG's efforts to nurture healthy habits in children.