Advertisement

Sports Hub launches Kallang sports, art and heritage trail

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng (in red shirt) unveiling one of two Merdeka Lions in front of the National Stadium during the launch of the Kallang sports, arts and heritage trail. (PHOTO: Singapore Sports Hub)
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng (in red shirt) unveiling one of two Merdeka Lions in front of the National Stadium during the launch of the Kallang sports, arts and heritage trail. (PHOTO: Singapore Sports Hub)

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Sports Hub launched a unique sports, art and heritage walking trail on Sunday (12 May), offering a journey through the landmarks near Kallang as well as the area’s colourful history.

The three-kilometre walking trail seeks to tell the story of Kallang through 18 heritage markers, artefacts, architecture and new artworks sited around Singapore Sports Hub. The artworks are commissioned by Singapore Sports Hub, and will be rolled out in phases.

The trail was launched by Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. He joined 11 community groups for a guided tour of the trail, and said, “There is a treasure trove of stories at Kallang.This was where many of our nation’s sporting memories were forged, and is also home to Singapore’s first civil international airport.

“I encourage everyone to come explore the area with family and friends, relive old memories, and reflect on our Singapore Story.”

Infographic: Singapore Sports Hub
Infographic: Singapore Sports Hub

18 markers, three smaller trails

The public can explore the 18 markers as one whole, or in three separate smaller walking trails - the Waterfront Trail, the Stadium Trail and the Park Trail.

The Waterfront Trail faces the Kallang Basin, a body of water with a rich history going back at least 400 years and reveals the riverine communities who once called this area home, the traditional industries that contributed lasting place names, and the legacy of water sports.

The Stadium Trail explores the grounds of the National Stadium and covers major architectural icons which played key roles in sports, politics, energy, aviation and entertainment in Singapore.

Finally, the Park Trail ventures into the former grounds of Kallang Park, journeys through memories of the old Wonderland Amusement Park and ending in front of the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Old icon back in Kallang

The trail launch also brought an old icon of the Kallang area: the two Merdeka Lions on Nicoll Highway’s Merdeka Bridge when it was built in 1955. When the highway was widened in 1966, the sculptures were moved to Kallang Park, and then to the SAFTI Military Institute in 1995.

The Lions are now brought back as replicas of the original artefacts, and placed at Stadium Roar, facing the Kallang Basin.

The public can look forward to spotting 14 uniquely-designed, repurposed benches made from the timber seats in the former National Stadium.

One of the 14 uniquely-designed, repurposed benches made from the timber seats in the former National Stadium. (PHOTO: Singapore Sports Hub)
One of the 14 uniquely-designed, repurposed benches made from the timber seats in the former National Stadium. (PHOTO: Singapore Sports Hub)

This walking trail is a community project supported by the National Heritage Board in partnership with Sport Singapore and Republic Polytechnic. The launch is part of the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration.

Visitors can pick up self-guided tour maps of The Kallang Story: A Sports, Arts and Heritage Trail at the Sports Hub’s visitors centre.

Other Singapore stories:

NUS undergrad charged for criminal trespassing, insulting modesty of woman

Para swimmers clinch 3 medals at inaugural Singapore leg of World Series

OCBC Cycle 2019 sees 6,800-odd cyclists enjoying day out on their bikes