Use of Public Spaces by Private Outdoor Educators under National Outdoor Adventure Education Masterplan
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether private outdoor educators can use public spaces for activities and if the Ministry for National Development will facilitate easier access. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong stated that parks and waterways are available to private providers provided their activities do not deprive other users or damage the environment. For groups exceeding 15 people or requiring structural setups, providers must apply through the online Park Usage Application System and comply with the Parks and Trees Act. Regarding reservoirs, the Public Utilities Board evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, considering operational impact, participant safety, and potential water pollution. The government remains supportive of such usage as long as agency operations are not compromised and the impact on the environment and public is minimized.
Transcript
68 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development with regard to the Ministry of Education's new national outdoor adventure education masterplan (a) whether private outdoor educators are allowed to use public spaces for their activities; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider allowing private outdoor educators easier access to public spaces for their activities.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Our public spaces are meant to be used and enjoyed by everyone. Apart from parks and park connector networks, we have progressively opened up reservoirs and waterways for sporting and recreational activities.
Our parks are open to members of the public, including private outdoor education providers, as long as the activity does not deprive other public users of the space. Currently, for activities that are organised for more than 15 people, ticketed or require structural set-up, members of the public can apply to use our parks through the online Park Usage Application System.
The National Parks Board will allow activities that do not cause undue disruption to the public or potential damage to flora and fauna in our parks. Users must also adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated in the Parks and Trees Act.
Our reservoirs are restricted facilities. However, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) will consider applications from private organisations to carry out water activities in our reservoirs on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the impact on PUB's operations, potential pollution to the water and surroundings, and safety of participants.
We will continue to support the use of our public spaces by private outdoor adventure education providers, as long as the proposed activities do not compromise our agencies’ operations, and the impact to our environment and other members of the public is minimised.