Govt to open up more play fields for community use

SINGAPORE - The public will now have more playfields to enjoy outdoor sports and recreational activities as open fields within former schools and educational institutions reserved for redevelopment will be opened up for community use in the interim, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). 

For a start, three sites have been identified to be opened up, starting with the former Manjusri Secondary School at 149 Sims Drive. The site has a field measuring 9,084 sqm in size and will be available for use from Wednesday. 

Other similar playfields will be progressively opened for community use when ready, said SLA. Improvement works such as opening of separate access, levelling of the playfields and grass cutting are needed to prepare the fields for public use.

SLA said in a statement on Tuesday: "As long as the field is not required for impending redevelopment, it will be opened 24 hours a day and available for use free of charge and on a non-exclusive basis."

It added that no advance booking is required.

Since 2003, SLA has been opening up plots of vacant State land to the public for community use where possible. These include the sites at Bukit Timah Railway Station, Tanjong Rhu Road and Nicoll Highway. To date, about 282 plots of vacant State land have been opened to the public for free, with no booking required. These sites are marked by common signages.

Mr Vincent Hoong, Chief Executive of SLA, said: "Opening up playfields within vacant State properties will give Singaporeans more options for sports and recreational activities. I hope that this will encourage more Singaporeans to lead healthy and active lifestyles."

To promote the use of these fields, SLA will also be working with the Residents' Committee on activities to promote social and community bonding amongst residents. 

While SLA regularly maintains these playfields, the public is encouraged to do their part to keep these places clean and litter free. 

maryanns@sph.com.sg