Coney Island Park opens to public

SINGAPORE — Nature-lovers can now visit the new Coney Island Park, where they can try spotting the some of the 80 species of birds that can be seen on the island. Or, if they are lucky, they may catch a glimpse of the globally threatened smooth-coated otter, which as been seen at the park and in the surrounding waters.

Home to a wide array of flora and fauna, the 50-ha park, also known as Pulau Serangoon, opened to the public today (Oct 10). It is located at the north-eastern coast of Singapore.

Several nationally threatened species such as birds like the rusty-breasted cuckoo and spotted wood-owl, as well as dragonflies like the sultan and lined forest-skimmer, can be sighted at the park, said the National Parks Board (NParks) in a press release. 

Nest boxes for birds like bee-eaters, woodpeckers are being installed around the island to increase the availability of suitable nesting sites. 

There is also a wide variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves, and Casuarina woodlands. 

Visitors can access the beach at five areas that showcase plants of different themes, such as black mangrove tress, beach front shrubs and coastal climbers as well as rare/extinct coastal trees.

(Click to enlarge)

Map of Coney Island. Coney Island consists of Coney Island Park, a future interim park and an area zoned for sports and recreation. Source: NParks

NParks said the park was “built on the principles of environment sustainability”. Toilets, for instance, are zero-energy and self-sufficient. Solar power is used to generate electricity to power the pumps for the toilets, while water used for flushing and hand washing is harvested from rainwater. Diffused sunlight is used to provide light indoors.

Casuarina timber from uprooted trees were also collected and recycled into park signages, seats, benches, boardwalk, as well as exhibits, said NParks.

The park was launched this morning by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan. He joined more than 150 participants from various corporate and community groups to plant more than 100 trees. 

Singtel contributed S$150,000 towards the tree planting as well as the accompanying educational panels. 

NParks volunteer Han Jok Kwang, raised and donated S$150,000 to the Garden City Fund in conjunction with his 30th wedding anniversary celebrations. The amount will fund the planting of the coastal trees, as well as educational signs at the park, said NParks.a

Guided walks will be made available to members of the public in November/December 2015. Registration for the guided walks open tomorrow (Oct 11) at 10am. 

The development of Coney Island Park is part of the Government’s overall plan for Coney Island. The south-eastern part of Coney Island is zoned for sports and recreational use in the Urban Redevelopment Authority master plan. An interim park is planned for the western end of the island.

PARK DETAILS:

Coney Island Park is open from 7am to 7pm daily. 

Due to safety concerns, the park is open only during the day as there is no lighting in the park after dark. 

Park Entrances: 1) 500m east of Punggol Point Park (West entrance) 2) Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 6 (East entrance)