Do you recall the iconic Road Safety Community Park that we all visited during our primary school days? In the past, we all drew lots to determine who would be pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Were you one of the lucky ones who managed to avoid the role of a pedestrian? Even if you found yourself in that role, I’m sure you have cherished memories of your time spent in this park.
However, if you’re scratching your head, wondering what I’m talking about, perhaps you should take a break from watching TikToks on your iPad and allow me to provide you with a brief history of this beloved park.
Background of Road Safety Community Park
The Road Safety Park, now known as Road Safety Community Park, was originally established in 1961 at Kallang Park with the primary objective of educating youths about road safety.
The park was eventually closed in 1966 for construction of the National Stadium. However, the park was relocated in East Coast in 1981, where it continued to serve as a valuable facility for primary school excursions aimed at imparting essential road safety knowledge.
The park features realistic roads, bus stops and an iconic mock-up of a petrol station.
During visits, students would either get the roles of a pedestrian, a cyclist representing motorcycles, or a go-kart driver representing cars.
Engaging quests were given, providing a fun and interactive way to learn about the rules and etiquette of road safety. Violations even resulted in demerit points!
Students or National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) cadets also played the role of traffic police.
Current State of the Park
Unfortunately, the park’s popularity has waned over the years, and its infrastructure shows visible signs of wear and tear.
Nevertheless, it has not been completely abandoned. According to CNA, students from approximately 200 primary school visited the park last year, with majority being Primary 4 students while the rest were Primary 5 or 6 students.
Moreover, on 10 November, the park celebrated its 65th anniversary of the Singapore Traffic Games.
The event was organised by Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) and supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE). A Stamp Presentation Pack, featuring pictures of the four generations of students who participated in the Traffic Games, were even produced for stakeholders and partners.
More than 300 students and guests partook in the celebration, with Elias Park Primary School emerging as the champions with the lowest number of demerit points.
Future Development Plans for the Park
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Road Safety Community Park. When speaking to CNA, SPF said that the traffic police is set to redevelop and modernise the park to “adapt to the evolving road and traffic environment.”
Naturally, such development will take a couple of years, as comprehensive studies are currently underway. Details on the development plans and timeline will be revealed once the relevant studies are completed.
It is imperative to recognize that road safety is a critical issue that affects not only children but people of all ages.
Over recent times, there has been an alarming increase in the number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. In the first half of 2022, there were 3,169 reported injuries, a number that rose to 3,541 within the first six months of 2023.
Superintendent Jimmy Law, commanding officer of the traffic police’s safety branch, revealed that the park aims to host families as well.
This means that beyond school excursion trips, kids can now learn about road safety with their parents and grandparents, promoting a culture of safety that spans generations.
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