SINGAPORE - Residents living in the West can now go for strolls and enjoy nature at a new park next to the Nanyang Technological University.

The 5ha park, called Jurong Eco-Garden, consists of a freshwater swamp, streams, ponds and a butterfly garden, among other facilities. It also features walking trails and a summit lookout where visitors can have a bird's eye view of the park.

The park is a project by JTC Corporation and is located in the firm's CleanTech Park, an industrial park dedicated to the research and development of sustainable solutions.

Minister for Health and adviser to Chua Chu Kang Grassroots Organisations, Mr Gan Kim Yong, officially opened the park on Sunday. In his speech, Mr Gan said the park "can become a focal point for community interaction".

"It will cater to a myriad of activities. You can come here to do some bird-watching, conduct your physical exercises or jog around the park," he said. "Schools can also consider this Eco-Garden as another destination for field trips."

He added that the grassroots organisations are working with the National Parks Board to make the park part of the 150km Round Island Route, a green corridor that goes round Singapore.