NParks responds to Bishan Park concerns

Following concerns over the closure of Bishan Park's only bicycle and skates rental business, the National Parks Board has assured park-goers that they can continue to cycle or skate at the park.

The area occupied by rental shop Skateline, which is closing down next month, will be converted into a free public space, NParks' general manager Kartini Omar-Hor told Yahoo! Singapore.

Yahoo! Singapore reported recently that NParks will not be renewing Skateline's lease in a move to increase the amount of community space in the park. The business' private skating rink will also be converted to a multi-purpose court.

The news was met with much unhappiness among park-goers who lamented the loss of a unique spot and the impending lack of rental facilities. Some wondered if they could still cycle or skate at the park, or if they would have to pay a fee to use the area vacated by Skateline.

Omar-Hor stated, "Revenue generation was not a consideration behind this decision, which will ultimately benefit a larger group of park users."

And while a notice by Skateline said the venue would function as an NParks office, Omar-Hor clarified that the area currently occupied by Skateline will be converted into a free public space and not an office.

"The space can also be opened up for community activities, organised events as well as activities by schools," she added.

"We wish to assure the public that they can continue to cycle or skate within Bishan Park, except alongside the river. Cyclists and skaters can use the park connector network abutting Bishan Park too," she said.

The changes to Bishan Park to introduce more community space and amenities for park-goers are in line with an upgrading project to increase the green and blue spaces in the park.

Among the improvements, the concrete canal will be converted into a natural meandering river. It is expected to be completed by this year.