Future Plans for Park Connector Networks
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Christopher de Souza’s inquiry regarding future plans for Singapore's park connector networks (PCNs) and increasing their presence near green spaces and water bodies. Minister Desmond Lee responded that the National Parks Board aims to expand the PCN from 370 kilometres to 500 kilometres by 2030. He highlighted the establishment of a 360-kilometre island-wide network of recreational routes, including the Round Island Route, to provide more walking and cycling opportunities. These connectors also serve to enhance ecological connectivity and resilience as Singapore transforms into a City in Nature. Such efforts are key to achieving the goal of having all households within a 10-minute walk of a park by 2030.
Transcript
44 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the future plans for our park connector networks (PCNs); and (b) whether the PCNs can increase in number and length so as to provide more options to residents to exercise near green spaces or along water bodies like canals.
Mr Desmond Lee: Our park connectors are located near to green spaces, along water bodies and provide recreational opportunities for Singaporeans to exercise and explore outdoor spaces. Some examples include the Changi Bay Park Connector and Alexandra Park Connector. Over the years, we have been expanding our park connector network. To date, there are about 370 kilometres (km) of park connectors islandwide, and the National Parks Board (NParks) aims to increase the length of park connectors to 500 km by 2030.
We are also establishing a 360-km island-wide network of recreational routes across Singapore, comprising park connectors and trails. For example, the first phase of the Round Island Route was opened in January 2022, providing a 75-km recreational connection along the Eastern coastline, from Rower's Bay to Berlayer Creek. When completed, these island-wide recreational routes will provide more opportunities for Singaporeans to walk and cycle in natural spaces for longer distances.
Besides providing opportunities for nature-based recreation, our park connectors and island-wide routes also help to enhance ecological connectivity between natural habitats, strengthening Singapore's ecological resilience as we transform into a City in Nature. Together, these efforts contribute to our goal of enabling all households to be within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030.