Introduction of the Therapeutic Garden

On December 12, a groundbreaking therapeutic garden was unveiled at Punggol Park, marking a significant milestone with the introduction of Singapore's very first outdoor boccia court. Spanning an impressive 2,000 square meters, this innovative space is designed to be inclusive for visitors of all abilities, from seniors to individuals using wheelchairs.

Features of the Garden

One of the standout features of the garden is an outdoor wheelchair obstacle course, which is the first of its kind within a National Parks Board (NParks) facility. This course has been meticulously designed with input from the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) to provide wheelchair users an opportunity to enhance their mobility and strengthen their upper bodies in a safe and supportive environment.

Emphasis on Well-being

In addition to recreational opportunities, the new therapeutic garden emphasizes well-being through interaction with nature. These gardens are especially beneficial for individuals with dementia and special needs, offering a serene setting to alleviate stress and promote mental health. Second Minister for National Development, Indranee Rajah, emphasized the evidence supporting the mental health benefits of nature exposure, stating, “We will continue to enhance our parks and gardens to provide more accessible and inclusive nature-based experiences for Singaporeans of all ages and abilities to enjoy.”

Garden Layout and Features

The garden features a well-thought-out layout divided into two distinct zones: an active zone for exercise and a passive zone for relaxation. At the heart of the garden lies a majestic rain tree, standing at 12 meters tall and planted over 30 years ago, which adds to the tranquil ambiance of the space.

Inclusive Agility Course and Meditation Decks

Moreover, the inclusive agility course, which caters to everyone, including children and stroke survivors, complements the wheelchair obstacle course. With agility ladders and hurdles, this area supports users in enhancing their leg strength and balance, encouraging a holistic approach to physical fitness.

For those seeking tranquility, three meditation decks are installed in the passive zone, where visitors can engage in yoga or simply unwind. To enhance this experience, a QR code at each deck grants access to a curated playlist by NParks on Spotify, allowing visitors like 50-year-old Vinita Yadav, a local housewife and daily park-goer, to enjoy soothing music while meditating.

Future Plans for Therapeutic Gardens

The introduction of this therapeutic garden brings the total number of such facilities in Singapore to 16, with plans for 30 by 2030. The first therapeutic garden was established in HortPark in 2016, and the vision for future developments remains focused on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Community Reception and Hope for Expansion

As the community embraces this innovative space, advocates, including Ms. Theresa Goh, a pathway and performance manager at SDSC, express hope for the proliferation of such gardens across Singapore. 'The outdoor obstacle course is fun... It’s something that we don’t get to use elsewhere,' she noted, illustrating the importance of these inclusive play spaces for wheelchair users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the opening of the therapeutic garden at Punggol Park is not just a new recreational facility; it’s a beacon of hope for inclusivity in our urban landscape, promising mental and physical health benefits for all.