Would East Coast Park still be for all to have after redevelopment?

I applaud the National Parks Board for upgrading the East Coast Park’s facilities to fit the public’s ever-changing needs. (“Halt in Marine Cove redevelopment work due to traffic flow study”; Oct 16).

The NParks Director for Parks Development gave us a glimpse into the park’s future, of which he mentioned the provision of family-friendly amenities, including a range of recreational options.

I urge NParks, though, not to forget what the park, and every park in Singapore, was initially set up to accomplish: A greenery-filled enclave, an escape from the constant drumming of city life, an organic set of lungs for our city-state.

East Coast Park, being the largest and longest park here, experiences its fair share of crowds on weekends.

While the activities on offer suit these diverse crowds, is it still the park for all to have? Or has it been capitalised upon, with the original goals forgotten?

With these crowds come the rubbish. And in a seeming textbook example of diffusion of responsibility, countless park goers light up in plain view of “No Smoking” signboards.

Besides being an obvious fire hazard, it is ironic how the cyclists and runners have to breathe in second-hand smoke in their quest for better physical health.

Furthermore, the human congestion within the park is as pertinent as the traffic congestion around the area.

Cyclists have difficulty navigating the cycling lanes that are now choked not only by four-wheelers and children unable to balance on bicycles, travelling with little predictability, but also pedestrians walking in the middle of cycling lanes.

With many dining and recreation options already on offer, it is time that NParks consider the negative externalities generated by the increase in these pull factors.

Let us not forget how it feels to be immersed, together, in this excellent 12-kilometre stretch of flora.