On Tuesday last week, Bidadari Park was officially opened to the public. Spanning 13 hectares, the park features attractions for families, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Nestled in the park, the 1.8ha Alkaff lake becomes a natural stormwater retention pond to prevent flash floods in the Bidadari estate.
According to National Parks Singapore, unique features of the park involve the lush landscaping, aimed to nurture native flora and fauna, the Heritage Walk, which takes one through the history of the park, a Raptor Nest Platform, featuring a 20m tall platform for avians like the white-bellied sea eagle to perch on. In addition, hilly areas in the park provide great locations for bird watching.
For kids and families, Adventure Playwoods presents a playhouse with slides, climbing nets, a zip line and an observation pod shaped like a bird’s nest, while featuring play spaces that encourage interaction with the environment.
The Alkaff lake, engineered by Singapore’s Public Utilities Board to hold up to 40,000 cubic metres of stormwater, is designed to accommodate half the rainwater that drains from the Bidadari estate. Robust warning systems are in place for park goers when water levels begin to rise around the lake area, and only activate when the water level rises beyond 2 metres.
Marshlands – upper and lower – complete the park, while the upper marshland in the park blooms only after heavy rainfalls to house insects, amphibians and aquatic birds in the area, the lower marshland sits permanently, allowing aquatic fauna to reside in its midst.
The park was inspired by Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood and has been developed to enhance biodiversity and is part of Singapore’s Nature Ways network, which connects green spaces across the city to form ecological corridors. Trails and attractions in the park are designed around trees that existed even before the estate was built, while new trees create a lush, natural landscape that provides a haven for critically endangered species of animals and migratory birds.
The Housing and Development Board stated that natural terrains act as trails in the park aiming to minimise ecological footprint. Felled timber and salvaged materials are used in the park to make the park benches, while snags and logs were left to create natural habitats, bringing more life to the park.
More features and attractions are set to be completed and inaugurated by the end of the year.
To reach the location one may make use of the Woodleigh MRT station, or use bus services 100, 135 and 155.
Watch a video of the park here:
@nparkssg Exciting news, Bidadari Park is OPEN! It offers a variety of habitats from woodlands to open woods, grasslands and marshlands 🌳 #NParksBuzz #CityInNatureSG #SGParks #ExploreSG #fyp #naturetok #BidadariPark #thingstodo
♬ original sound – National Parks Board Singapore – National Parks Board Singapore
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