PARK CONNECTORS

PARK CONNECTORS

29.

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for National Development if he will (a) provide an update on the development of park connectors and (b) consider expediting the construction of park connectors and cycling tracks to link up various parks in Singapore.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The Park Connector Network (or PCN) is a nation-wide green network to connect major parks together so that there are more recreational opportunities for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

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As at October 2003, 22 stretches of park connectors, totaling 52 km have been developed. Currently, 20 park connectors are under construction, or in the design and planning stage. NParks targets to complete 45 km of park connectors over the next 3 years.

The Park Connectors run mainly along drainage, road and rail reserves, and coastal promenade, and involved different land ownerships. The timing of their development is coordinated with the development programmes of these agencies. NParks has committed to accelerating its park connector development programme, from an average of 9 km/year in the past to 15 km/year over the next 3 years. This requires not only additional financing and manpower resources, but also close co-ordination with other Government agencies.

At the same time, NParks is also working on improving the connectivity (such as crossings) for the PCN. The additional crossings will allow for a more comprehensive and continuous green network linking parks with town centres, MRT stations, sport complexes and homes.