Don't turn Jurong Lake Gardens into tourist playground
AS A resident of Taman Jurong, I am concerned that the plans to transform Jurong Lake District will cause the park to become not only a "people's garden" but also a tourist attraction ("Lakeside area will get 'people's garden'"; Monday).
Over the years, Jurong Lake Park, the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden have evolved into a distinct heartland park much loved by Jurong's heartlanders.
It may not bustle with activity like other parks, but has its own vibe - it draws regular joggers, cyclists, anglers, groups that practise various exercises and martial arts, as well as students from nearby schools who exercise or canoe there. It is a piece of tranquillity and greenery.
However, it is true that the facilities there are lacking, and that existing ones are poorly maintained.
While I look forward to the new Jurong Lake Gardens, I urge the Government to be sensitive when transforming this area.
I hope it will not make the Gardens a tourist playground.
Waterfront hotels and a future tourist attraction are slated to be built on a part of the existing Jurong Lake Park, right next to where the new Gardens will be.
These developments will transform the whole area into a tourist playground.
Tourist attractions in the area, such as the Tang Dynasty Village, have failed in the past.
It was heartlanders who kept the area going and made it a part of their home.
Let the Gardens be a true "people's garden".
Give us the facilities and we residents will rekindle the heartland vibe in our own neighbourhood.
Chan Ching Wei (Madam)
AS A resident of Taman Jurong, I am concerned that the plans to transform Jurong Lake District will cause the park to become not only a "people's garden" but also a tourist attraction ("Lakeside area will get 'people's garden'"; Monday).
Over the years, Jurong Lake Park, the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden have evolved into a distinct heartland park much loved by Jurong's heartlanders.
It may not bustle with activity like other parks, but has its own vibe - it draws regular joggers, cyclists, anglers, groups that practise various exercises and martial arts, as well as students from nearby schools who exercise or canoe there. It is a piece of tranquillity and greenery.
However, it is true that the facilities there are lacking, and that existing ones are poorly maintained.
While I look forward to the new Jurong Lake Gardens, I urge the Government to be sensitive when transforming this area.
I hope it will not make the Gardens a tourist playground.
Waterfront hotels and a future tourist attraction are slated to be built on a part of the existing Jurong Lake Park, right next to where the new Gardens will be.
These developments will transform the whole area into a tourist playground.
Tourist attractions in the area, such as the Tang Dynasty Village, have failed in the past.
It was heartlanders who kept the area going and made it a part of their home.
Let the Gardens be a true "people's garden".
Give us the facilities and we residents will rekindle the heartland vibe in our own neighbourhood.
Chan Ching Wei (Madam)
