The promenade - set for completion in 2010 - is in the form of boardwalk and will be built over the seawall to bring visitors closer to the water's edge.-- PHOTO: URA

THE Urban Redevelopment Authority has unveiled design proposals for the Woodlands Waterfront, comprising of a coastal promenade and a park in Woodlands on Saturday.

Residents and those living in nearby residential estates can look forward to a new waterfront recreational playground, right at their doorsteps.

URA will be building a 1.5-km long promenade and a nine hectare park along a tranquil stretch of coastline in Woodlands to improve accessibility to the area and to open up the scenic waterfront.

The promenade, in the form of boardwalk will be built over the seawall to bring visitors closer to the water's edge.

A park will also be created right next to the coastal promenade.

The design of the park leverages on the existing terrain and contours to create interesting spaces and views within the park.

There will be jogging and fitness trail and cycling tracks for fitness enthusiasts; playgrounds for young children; event spaces to hold outdoor community functions; picnic areas for families; and nature trails as a haven for nature lovers.

An old jetty connected to the park will also be refurbished to allow for recreational activities.

URA's CEO, Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, said: 'The new facilities are part of URA's plans to continually enhance the quality of our living environment and to strengthen Singaporeans' sense of belonging and identity.'

The Woodlands Waterfront - set for completion in 2010 - will form part of the comprehensive network of parks and park connectors in the area.

It will be linked to the newly-opened Admiralty Park and Woodlands Town Garden through a park connector that runs through a HDB estate.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health and MP for Sembawang GRC officiated the launch of the 'Woodlands Waterfront and the Discovery Map' at Woodlands Civic Centre on Saturday.

The design proposals for Woodlands Waterfront will be exhibited there from Jan 26 - Jan 29. The public are welcome to give their feedback on the proposals.