Gardens by the Bay explains limited access

We are sorry that Mrs Sylvia Goh Tshin En's visit to Gardens by the Bay was affected by the limited access to view the competition orchids ("Lack of ramps for wheelchair users spoils Gardens visit"; Monday). We have spoken to her to get more details of her visit and have also explained the situation to her.

The area in question is normally closed to the public, but was opened to facilitate a close-up view of the Orchid Extravaganza show, which included the award-winning orchids displayed during the Singapore Garden Festival. Wheelchair access could not be facilitated safely, given the crowd and constrained nature of the area.

We acknowledge that the staff on duty should have been more helpful to Mrs Goh. We expect all our duty staff to be responsive to our visitors and to do their best to assist them, so that they have a positive experience at our Gardens. We will use the feedback to improve our service standards.

At Gardens by the Bay, we strive to provide all visitors with an enjoyable and safe experience. There is wheelchair accessibility to the Flower Dome via lifts and ramps that have been built into the dome design.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our services, we will be reviewing the design of the area to make it accessible to all.

We have extended an invitation to Mrs Goh and her family for a return visit to the Gardens, and we look forward to welcoming her.

Felix Loh

Chief Operating Officer

Gardens by the Bay

This article was first published on September 12, 2014.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.