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Multi-generational wellness garden in Singapore’s East Coast Park to be launched as of the end of 2023

Multi-generational wellness garden in Singapore’s East Coast Park to be launched as of the end of 2023
January 12, 2022

KPMG in Singapore has partnered with Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) to develop a first-of-its-kind multigenerational Wellness Garden at East Coast Park, anticipated to be complete by end 2023.

As Singapore’s largest and most popular park with 7.5 million visits annually, East Coast Park is known for its distinct coastal identity that has endeared it to generations of users.

The KPMG Wellness Garden, which is expected to be just over one football field in size, incorporates features that range from active play to tranquil nature-based interactions to allow park visitors of all ages and physical abilities to enjoy in one location. These features comprise a therapeutic garden, nature playgarden, pond trail and nature fitness area.

The Therapeutic Gardens will have a rustic coastal theme that will facilitate users' interactions with nature and improve their mental well-being. Therapeutic horticulture sessions will take place here, with raised planter boxes opening access for those in wheelchairs. The garden will offer unique pond and sea views and will feature lookout decks and a board walk along the pond edge which is barrier-free. This therapeutic garden is set to be the first in East Coast Park and is part of NParks’ plan to have 30 such gardens throughout Singapore by 2030.

The Nature Playgarden that is also designed for those with impaired mobility, with features such as a raised sand play box, a lookout platform accessible by ramp and a raised musical play station. The Nature Playgarden is part of NParks’ Biophilic Playgarden Plan to implement biophilic nature playgardens island-wide. The Plan which was announced in 2019, aims to encourage children to spend more time outdoors to enhance their overall well-being, and to allow them to reconnect with nature through the design and programming of nature playgardens.

The Pond Trail allows visitors to stroll around a pond and appreciate coastal flowers planted by NParks. Visitors can relax and enjoy tranquil views of the enhanced, naturalised pond - the addition of aquatic plants will help to naturally filter the pond water.

The Nature Fitness Area will similarly leverage the lush garden setting and materials such as upcycled logs to allow visitors to enjoy nature while exercising.

NParks will work with KPMG on the development of the garden and its various features as part of this public-private partnership. KPMG also intends to participate in tree planting activities, contributing to the OneMillionTrees movement, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

The plans for the KPMG Wellness Garden were unveiled late November 2021 by Desmond Lee, Singapore Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Lee stated “I thank KPMG in Singapore for their generous donation to the development of the Wellness Garden, the first of its kind in Singapore.

"Having amenities that cater to every visitor, from the young to the elderly and for users of different abilities all together in one space will make the Wellness Garden a wonderful place for people to bond. Our corporate partners and the larger community play an important role in transforming Singapore into a City in Nature, one of the key pillars of the Singapore Green Plan. With the support of the community, we will be able to extend the benefits of living amidst nature to more people and help make Singapore more liveable and climate-resilient."

Garden City Fund Chairman, Professor Leo Tan, noted “we are happy to partner with KPMG in Singapore on the restoration and enhancement of the Wellness Garden as a meaningful celebration of their milestone. This garden will benefit many Singaporeans across different ages and needs and as we transform Singapore into a City in Nature, community stewardship by corporations such as KPMG is crucial."

Image: The KPMG Wellness Garden, to be completed in 2023, aims to be an inclusive space with four zones to cater to different generations. Credit: NParks Facebook

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