Bukit Timah residents to get more car park space, recreation facilities

SINGAPORE: Residents in Bukit Timah division can expect more public facilities by early 2013.

In the pipeline are more car park lots to address rising car ownership, as well as more recreational and exercise facilities to help residents keep fit.

Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong will launch a new park in Clementi this Sunday during his ministerial community visit to the ward.

To help elderly residents in the estate, there are plans for more covered walkways and ramps, and a lift in the Bukit Timah market.

Residents will be consulted on some of the proposed new facilities in September, as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.

Apart from infrastructure improvements, the grassroots organisation hopes that more residents will come forward to volunteer and take part in community activities, as well as suggest ideas to improve their environment.

For example, junior college students Wayne Hwang and Leong Min—hao started the "Green Movement" in 2012 to promote environmentally—friendly practices in the division. One of their activities included visiting residents’ homes to provide them with water—saving thimbles.

Ms Sim Ann, Advisor to Bukit Timah grassroots organisations, describes this as a renewal of the division’s kampung spirit.

"Bukit Timah is a rather historic division with a long history, which our residents are very proud of. I think we are very conscious of the fact that, there are vivid collective memories here. And really, the people make the place," she said.

"A very key approach that we take is to ensure that as the grassroots, we build the platform for civic—minded residents to come on board and do their thing."

— CNA/wm