Progress Towards Goal of 30 Therapeutic Gardens by 2030 as Part of City in Nature Vision

10 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can provide an update on the progress towards the goal of establishing 30 therapeutic gardens by 2030 as part of Singapore's City in Nature vision; and (b) whether the Ministry is considering constructing therapeutic gardens in HDB estates.

Mr Desmond Lee: As of February 2023, the National Parks Board (NParks) has established 10 Therapeutic Gardens (TGs) in parks and is on track to meet its 2030 target of establishing 30 such TGs islandwide.

To complement these efforts, NParks also facilitates Therapeutic Horticulture programmes in TGs, as well as in various facilities, such as hospitals and senior activity centres, many of which are located in HDB estates. These curated programmes leverage nature-related and gardening activities to enhance the well-being of participants.

In addition to establishing TGs in parks, NParks also works with Housing and Development Board (HDB) to incorporate TGs and therapeutic landscapes in HDB estates where feasible. This is done as part of new HDB developments and through estate renewal programmes. These TGs in HDB estates help to bring the benefits of therapeutic horticulture and landscapes closer to residents.