A concrete canal at the 20-year-old Bishan Park has been transformed into a natural-looking river (pictured). Aside from beautifying the surrounding area, the river also serves as a flood plain that stores 40 percent more excess water than the old canal.
The first canal in Singapore to be naturalised and integrated within a park, the development is a S$76 million collaboration between the National Parks Board (NParks) and water agency PUB, as part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme.
A warning and monitoring system has also been installed near the river, providing audio alerts to park users when the water level rises.
“While we want to encourage the community to get close to water, we are also mindful that the safety of the public is paramount. In designing this river with naturalised banks and gentle slopes, we also put in place a series of measures to ensure the safety of park users is not compromised,” said Tan Nguan Sen, Director of Catchment and Waterways at PUB.
The park will officially open in March and about 3.5 million visitors are expected every year.
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