The Park Connector Network (PCN)

Singapore

THE PARK CONNECTOR NETWORK (PCN)

BY DR. DAVISI BOONTHARM

INTRODUCTION Singapore’s rapid development over the last four decades has positioned Singapore as a regional and global economic player and brought prosperity to its citizens. e realization has come only within the past decade that ‘livability’ depends not only on efficient infrastructure and business-friendly legislative environment, but also upon a pleasant urban environment and the vibrancy of artistic and cultural expression, which together enhance quality of life.

In steering a path towards economic development, the government has had to address critical issues including scarcity of land, water and other natural resources, whilst preserving cultural heritage and ensuring ethnic harmony. In contrast to other countries in the region, Singapore’s innovation system is in essence a public-sector driven, top-down master plan, with urban and spatial planning linked closely to economic development goals. Singapore is unique in the region in that the majority of urban projects are initiated and implemented by government agencies, rather than the private sector.

quality of life by creating new green spaces. PCN is an islandwide network of linear open spaces around major residential areas, linking up parks and nature sites in Singapore.

PCN was conceived to bring people closer to parks and nature areas, enhancing recreational opportunities for all. e initiative forms an important part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s plans to transform Singapore into a “City in a Garden.”

e Parks and Recreation Department (now NParks) first proposed the PCN in 1992 to provide alternative recreation options for Singaporeans, with e Park Connector (PCN) ac- 300km of Park Connector (PC) knowledges the need to enhance to be developed over a 30-year 1

Singapore

Figure 1 Existing parks and green spaces in Singapore Source: http://www.nparks.gov.sg

period. Implementation was relatively straightforward because the Park Connectors were laid out alongside existing drainage channels and water bodies connecting national, regional and local parks.

had been completed, and NParks is on schedule to reach its target of developing a 300km islandwide network of green corridors around the island by 2015.

diversity of available recreation space at minimal cost, and also helps to link together areas segregated by zoning as a result of the long-established practice of function-oriented planning.

To engage PCN users and inform the public, NParks formed a group in 2008 called ‘PCN Friends’, which provides updates on forthcoming activities and latest developments. Group members also offer feedback and suggestions, for examples on adequacy of signage along the routes.

2. Accessibility: the network improves access to the parks and gardens (including the forest reserves), increasing intensity of usage. At the same time it allows access to the existing network of canals, which was formerly categorized as low-value utilitarian infrastructure.

Innovative aspects of the Park Connector Network 1. Connectivity: PCN performs an important function in connecting existing parks, gardens and residential districts, effecBy early 2012, 200km of PCN tively increasing the area and

3. Linearity: e pathways cater for only light transportation so do not require heavy infrastructure. As the routes run along existing roads and canals or cut through parks, the PCN does not require acquisition of scarce

The first to be completed (in 1995) was the Kallang Park Connector- 9km of linear park linking two regional parks - Bishan Park and Kallang Riverside Park; the route quickly gained popularity amongst walkers, joggers and cyclists. In December 2007, the Eastern Coastal PCN, a 42km loop was completed, providing a link from East Coast Park to Changi Beach Park. Coastal areas were later linked to the network because of good connectivity.

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Figure 2 Development of Park Connector Network, up to 2011 Source: http://www.nparks.gov.sg

additional land. It is therefore addresses two important urban perfectly suited to Singapore’s issues: environmental and social. urban context.

By a simple spatial adjustment, incurring minimal cost, a sig4. Adaptability: in terms of de- ni cant impact can be generated. sign the simple asphalt passage e quality of existing parks and ways involves minimal redesign gardens has been enhanced by of existing routes and simple in- making them more accessible tervention to make the routes us- and, and communities have been able, informative and integrated brought closer to nature and to with the existing environment. each other. e adaptability makes ordinary places more meaningful. e initiative is the result of collaboration between NParks and 5. Humane : PCN prioritizes two other agencies under the pedestrians and cyclists, shiing Ministry of National Developthe focus towards communities ment (MND): the Urban Redeand the local population. PCN velopment Agency (URA) and has stimulated greater social the Housing Development Board interaction both within com- (HD), and with the Land and munities, and creates new links Transport Authority (LTA). e with neighbouring communities. long project duration has allowed lessons to be learned through an Urban issues iterative process, for example in The Park Connector Network ensuring that local implementa-

tion responds to local needs.

With the majority of Singaporean living within strictly-controlled spaces resulting from stringent policy and planning regulations, there are many restrictions to usage of open spaces, and access to runoff canals and prime forests was formerly prohibited. e opening up of these areas under the PCN scheme creates a much-needed alternative for recreation space; a new and constantly changing natural space to explore.

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Figure 3 Simple design of park connector Source: author

REFERENCES Edmund Waller, Landscape Planning in Singapore, (2001), Singapore University Press Lin Heng Lye, Land Use Planning, Environmental Management, and the Garden City as an Urban Development Approach in Singapore in Nathalie J. Chalifour, Patricia Kameri M-Bote, , John R Nolon, Lin Heng Lye (eds), Land Use Law for Sustainable Development, (2006), IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Research Studies Oi Keng Hunt, “Park Connector� in Brenda Yuen (ed.), Planning Singapore from Plan to Implementation, Singapore Institute of Planner, Singapore (1998) http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/singapor/natur.htm#forests http://www.nparks.gov.sg http://www.siww.com.sg http://www.ura.gov.sg/pr/text/pr04-16.html http://www.mnd.gov.sg

CONTACT INFORMATION Dr. Davisi BOONTHARM School of Architecture and Building | Faculty of Science and Technology Deakin University | Victoria | Australia Email: d.boontharm@deakin.edu.au

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