15KM ‘Forest Path’ Will Be Built Connecting East Coast Park To Changi Beach Park

During the East Coast GRC this year, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat delivered a speech that brought us to tears from laughing too much.

He told of a supposed plan he had for East Coast, which we had reservations about, especially after this very legit script was leaked online.

Turns out, we had no reason to doubt him. Nature lovers, cyclists and joggers rejoice – Mr Heng has a beautiful plan for you.

Plans for a 15km green corridor in East Coast

East Coast boasts many magnificent parks, two of which are East Coast Park and Changi Beach Park.

On Saturday (26 Sep), Mr Heng announced a plan to connect the two with a green corridor.

The corridor stretches 15km and runs along New Upper Changi Road and Loyang Way.

It will branch out into a network of community corridors that leads to other parks and gardens in the area.

East Coast residents can expect various nature-based amenities within the network. Mr Heng aims to build more community and therapeutic gardens. There will also be nature playgrounds for the little ones.

Besides, the network’s lanes will be planted with a variety of native trees and shrubs to resemble the look and feel of natural forests.

Something like this, hopefully?

The green corridor complements the nation’s City in Nature initiative and will make the eastern part of the island greener.

“These corridors will also connect our pockets of green space and enhance their overall biodiversity,” he added.

Mr Heng wishes to partner with fellow Singaporeans for greening plans

The announcement was made via a video message posted on Facebook, which was filmed at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Mr Heng gave a speech before taking a bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin to celebrate Ubin Day, an event to commemorate the natural and cultural wealth of the island.

Ubin Day became an annual tradition in 2014 following the formation of the Friends of Ubin Network, which comprises villagers, academics, nature and heritage enthusiasts.

According to Mr Heng, the community gathered diverse perspectives and helped put many good ideas into action, including Ubin Day.

He wishes to do the same with East Coast residents.

“I look forward to partnering our people, especially residents of East Coast, to turn these (green corridor) plans into reality. We will reach out to you soon to gather your ideas and vision for these green spaces.”

“This is the spirit of Singapore Together. And I hope we can partner more Singaporeans to build our future Singapore,” he added.

He noted that the country’s greenery is experiencing a popularity surge amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As we emerge from this crisis, we must continue to grow, and even accelerate, our greening effort. I invite all of you to join us on this journey to transform Singapore into a City in Nature and to build a greener, more caring and vibrant East Coast.”

Read Also: Darren Lim, Who Used to Live in a Yacht, Now Offering Short Trips in His Yacht for a Fee