Called Admiralty Park, the 27ha haven of calm and fresh air along Riverside Road was officially launched last Sunday.

The park, which is a 15-minute walk from the Woodlands MRT station, comprises two portions - recreation and nature.

For now, only the 7ha recreational zone is accessible to the public. Highlights include an activity plaza with fitness facilities and a 400-seater amphitheatre.

Work on the 20ha nature component - which includes a mangrove swamp - is in progress for completion in mid-2008, says the National Parks Board (NParks).

It has budgeted $8.6 million for the entire project.

The park is shaped like a river valley to reflect the fact that Sungei Cina once ran through it. The river has been diverted for the construction of the park.

Admiralty Park joins more than 300 other parks managed by NParks islandwide.

The neighbouring Republic Polytechnic (RP) has adopted it under NPark's Adopt-a-park scheme.

A spokesman for the polytechnic says it is working with NParks to provide activities organised by its students, such as eco-walks.

The students have also set up an interactive website with information on anti-cancer plants found in the park.

Dr Tan Lay Pheng, a facilitator at RP's School of Applied Science, says the tie-up is a logical one.

'For one, RP is right next to the park and because the polytechnic is built without fences, it integrates seamlessly with this park,' she says.

tanyihui@sph.com.sg

Admiralty Park is lit from 7pm to 7am. Parking is available at the entrance of the park along Riverside Road.