Bidadari Park: A New Oasis Inspired by Winnie the Pooh’s Forest, Featuring Lake, Trails, and a Treehouse Playground
SINGAPORE: The Bidadari estate has unveiled a sprawling 13-hectare park, officially opened to the public on September 3. Drawing inspiration from the enchanted Hundred Acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh, this expansive green space merges the area's natural woodland charm with modern recreational amenities.
Park Overview:
- Size and Location: Covering over 10% of Bidadari estate's land, the park spans an area larger than 18 football fields. It is situated near key MRT stations, including Bartley and Woodleigh, with Alkaff Lake positioned opposite the latter.
- Trails and Greenery: A 5.2km network of trails meanders through the park’s lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape for visitors. The park builds upon the estate’s original rustic landscape, ensuring a seamless blend of nature and urban living.
Notable Features:
- Alkaff Lake: Spanning 1.8 hectares, Alkaff Lake serves dual purposes—offering both recreational opportunities and acting as a vital flood management system. This innovative lake can hold up to 40,000 cubic meters of water, mitigating flood risks within the estate.
- Adventure Playwoods: A highlight of the park is the 5-meter-tall treehouse playground, known as Adventure Playwoods. It features a variety of attractions, including climbing nets, slides, a zip line, and an observation pod that mimics a bird's nest.
- Green Connectivity: The Bidadari Greenway, a 1.6km "green spine," connects Bartley Road to Upper Serangoon Road, passing through the park and providing easy access to various parts of the estate.
- Flood Management: The park’s design incorporates upper and lower marshlands that play a crucial role in managing stormwater while supporting a diverse ecosystem. These areas contribute to the park’s natural beauty and environmental sustainability.
Community and Heritage Integration:
Residents of nearby Build-to-Order (BTO) developments, such as Woodleigh Glen and Woodleigh Hillside, can enjoy an extension of the park, known as the hillock. This area is linked to the main park via a 100m land bridge, lined with vibrant flora to attract butterflies and birds.
The park also features a heritage walk adjacent to Alkaff Lake, which narrates the rich history of Bidadari. The heritage walk, partially open to the public, is being developed on the former Upper Aljunied Road, now renamed Sang Nila Utama Boulevard.
A memorial garden, slated for completion by mid-next year, will commemorate Bidadari Cemetery, one of Singapore's oldest burial grounds. Artefacts and structures from the original Bidadari Memorial Garden will be incorporated into this new site, preserving the historical significance of the area.
Safety and Flood Preparedness:
To ensure visitor safety, the park is equipped with an advanced warning system for rising water levels. During intense rainfall, sensors around Alkaff Lake trigger beacon lights and audio warnings in four languages, instructing visitors to retreat to safe zones. The system is designed to activate well before water levels reach the footpaths, providing ample time for evacuation.
A Collaborative Effort:
The creation of Bidadari Park is a collaborative project between the Housing and Development Board (HDB), National Parks Board (NParks), PUB, and the National Heritage Board. According to Mr. Wan Khin Wai, Chief Architect and Director of Design Development at HDB, this is the largest public park developed by HDB in partnership with these agencies.
Conclusion:
Bidadari Park not only enhances the living environment for residents but also preserves the estate’s natural heritage. By integrating modern amenities with the area’s historical and ecological significance, the park offers a unique recreational space that caters to both community activities and environmental conservation.