East Coast Park

The East Coast Park (Chinese: 东海岸公园; Malay: "Taman Pantai Timur") is a beach park located on the southeastern coast of Singapore. It was opened in the 1970s, when the government completed reclaiming land off the coast at Katong which extends from Changi to Tanjong Rhu.

The 1.85 square kilometre East Coast Park is the largest park in Singapore, and is built entirely on reclaimed land with a man-made beach, where swimming is possible. The beach is protected by breakwaters, with no other natural features. The park is easily accessible by East Coast Park Service Road with numerous exits along the East Coast Parkway. The place has ample parking space with many carparks near the park. The park is also accessible via public transport in the form of bus services, available on East Coast Park Service Road. Underpasses link the park to the nearby Marine Parade housing estate.

The park is a popular place for families and friends to relax and enjoy themselves. The park has barbecue pits, entertainment facilities, chalets, food and beverage, and amenities for sports activities. A cycling and inline skating track runs along the perimeter of the park, which measures at least 20 km long.

Attractions

*Island Resort
*East Coast Seafood Centre (formerly UDMC)
*Lilliputt
*Marine Cove (formerly East Coast Recreation Centre)
*Regent Bowl
*Seafood International Market and Restaurant
*Seasports Centre
*Singapore Tennis Centre
*Ski360° Cable Ski
*SparkC @ Marine Parade

Island Resort

The Costa Sands resort, which was managed by NTUC Club, ceased operations on 3 January 2006 when its 30-year lease expired. Island Resort started operations from 1 March 2007. since then renovated most of the chalets.

East Coast Lagoon

The East Coast Lagoon underwent renovation in 2005 under the Singapore Sports Council's plan to build a whitewater sports stadium at East Coast Park. Singapore's first Cable Ski Park, Ski360°, opened at the refurbished East Coast Lagoon in January 2006.

East Coast Sea Sports Centre

The Ministry of Education's Sea Sports Centre conducts activities such as sailing and wind surfing. It is also known as the National Sailing Centre, run by the Singapore Sailing Federation.cite web |url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/ccab/seasports/seasports.htm|title= Ministry of Education Sea Sports Centre (MOESSC)|accessdate=2007-07-16 |format= |work= Ministry of Education]

East Coast Lagoon Food Centre

The East Coast Lagoon Food Centre opened in 1977, and is a popular hawker centre among locals and tourists. In late 2003, the hawker centre was upgraded to give it a newer and fresher look, having new features. The braised duck rice, satay and the Hwa Kee wanton noodles are firm favourites.

East Coast Seafood Centre

The East Coast Seafood Centre was opened at the same time as the East Coast Park, with eight restaurants serving seafood. Its initial name was known as UDMC Seafood Centre, which was later changed in 2000 to its current name. Local favourites such as chilli crab, black pepper crab and mee goreng can be found there. In 2005, the Seafood Centre was upgraded to give it a modernised look, and better facilities. Many of the features were revamped, and a number of old tenants vacated for new tenants to take their place.

The Seafood Centre has become a popular dining spot for tourists and locals alike, with many of the establishments being fully booked on most evenings. Given that most of the dining tables are placed outdoors, diners get the pleasure of eating while enjoying the sea breeze and sights of the numerous ships anchored in the Singapore Strait.

Marine Cove

Marine Cove, formerly known as the East Coast Recreation Centre, is a building complex in East Coast Park where many cafés, restaurants, and bars are located. It also contains a bowling alley and a billiards saloon.

The McDonald's restaurant is the only one in East Coast Park and features a drive thru and a "skate-thru" counter.

oil erosion

On 5 March 2006, it was reported in the media that certain parts of the park are experiencing soil erosion which caused certain beachfront areas to collapse. One of the reasons that the authorities attributed to was global warming which has resulted in a higher sea level, thus bringing the coast further inland.

East Coast Park Concept Plan

In November 2005, National Parks Board (NParks) announced that East Coast Park may see many new enhancements to its access, circulation, activities and amenities over the next few years as outlined in the East Coast Park Concept Plan proposed by the board.

The proposals in the concept plan that would enhance accessibility and connectivity within the park include the following:
# Development of a Pedestrian Garden Link
# Enhancement of the entrances of existing underpasses
# Conversion of existing carparks into bermed carparks
# Introduction of a People Mover System within the park

There are also plans to develop a garden to cater to the needs of all age groups for recreation, and a visitor centre that would serve as a one-stop information and service centre for park users. Under the concept plan, the park will offer more recreational activities and lifestyle amenities for outdoor sports, games, leisure, and food and beverage outlets. It was proposed that weekend events and festive flea market activities be organised to inject vibrancy into the park.

The plan will be confirmed in mid-2006 once NParks has sought the opinion of the public. [cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/178959/1/.html|title=East Coast Park to get S$160m upgrade|accessdate=2005-11-16|publisher=Channel NewsAsia]

References

External links

* [http://www.nparks.gov.sg/park11.asp National Parks Board, Singapore - East Coast Park]