Games, installations to enliven Jalan Besar

SINGAPORE — Jalan Besar is set to get more lively over the next few weeks.

From today (Sept 18) until the end of next month, visitors and residents at the area can battle it out over a game of life-sized chess, take part in a game of Snakes and Ladders with actual ladders and canvasses for climbing and sliding or try to find their way out of a maze.

These are among the games and installations that have been set up at Jalan Besar under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) PubliCity programme, which aims to involve the community in celebrating and enlivening public spaces through good design and programmes. The activities will be spread out over seven different spots such as Horne Road, King’s George’s Avenue and Petain Road.

The launch of PLAY at Jalan Besar was announced today by the URA, alongside the start of the third edition of PARK(ing) Day in Singapore.

For this year’s PARK(ing) Day, 70 temporary public spaces created over 140 parking lots have been transformed into creative spaces today, offering a range of activities such as interactive old school games, piano performances, 3D art and street circus acts. The event is part of the international PARK(ing) Day movement.

More space was allocated for PARK(ing) Day this year, compared to 88 parking lots allocated last year. The lots are in areas such as Bras Basah, Bugis, the Central Business District, Jalan Besar, Kampong Glam and Tiong Bahru.

Chief Executive Officer of URA Ng Lang said: “It’s heartening to see the huge spontaneous participation at PARK(ing) Day this year. The energy at this event was inspiring last year, and we do not expect any less this year. It is testimony that our people love our city, and want to contribute in responsible and creative ways to enliven our streets and public spaces.”