NParks to Close Parks & Beaches When They Get Too Crowded

For all you nature lovers out there, this might be quite the disappointment. 

The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment (MSE) announced in a statement on 19 May that the National Parks Board (NParks) will be temporarily closing access to certain parks, as well as sections of beaches, lawns and outdoor facilities, in the event that they become too crowded. 

Such outdoor facilities include shelters and carparks.

The purpose of the temporary closure is to ensure adherence to safe distancing regulations. 

When they are less crowded, these areas will be reopened again. 

Before heading over to your neighbourhood park for a jog, be sure to check the Safe Distance @ Parks portal to stay updated on the level of visitorship at a certain park at any period of time. 

Do also remember to adhere to safe distancing rules while in these areas. 

Closure of Water Play Areas and Other Facilities 

In addition, the statement by MSE reiterated that all water play areas and water recreational facilities in parks and gardens managed by NParks will remain closed until 13 June 2021. 

In case you’re wondering, here’s a list of all the facilities that will be closed in line with Phase 2 (Heightened Alert): 

• Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park – Water play area
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Exhibition Hall
• Dairy Farm Nature Park – Wallace Education Centre
• East Coast Park – Wading pool and jet fountain at Coastal PlayGrove
• Fort Canning Park – Wading pool
• Jurong Lake Gardens – Clusia Cove
• Pulau Ubin – Chek Jawa Visitor Centre and Nature Gallery
• Sembawang Hot Spring Park – Hot spring stations
• Singapore Botanic Gardens – Water play area at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, CDL Green Gallery, Heritage Museum, Centre for Ethnobotany, Library of Botany and Horticulture, and Seed Bank
• Sisters’ Islands Marine Park – Marine Park Public Gallery 
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Mangrove Gallery and Nature Gallery

Campsites and BBQ pits in parks managed by NParks will also be closed, so it looks like you’ll have to postpone that BBQ party. 

Sports and Outdoor Activities in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) 

If you’re still unsure of the new regulations regarding sports and exercise in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), here’s a quick run-through. 

Sports and physical exercise have to be carried out individually or up to groups of two. A safe distance of at least two metres between individuals has to be maintained as well. 

As for organised outdoor exercise classes, they can be carried out in groups of two, up to a maximum of 30 people including participants and the instructor, or the approved venue capacity, depending on which is lower. There can be no intermingling between groups. 

For group classes consisting of more than two people, masks have to be worn at all times. 

For more information, click here.

Featured Image: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com (Image for illustration purpose only)