The Springleaf Nature Park, the first of four new nature parks around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve located at Nee Soon Road, Upper Thomson Road, was officially opened on Saturday.
Formerly a kampung known as Chan Chu Kang, the park now includes trails, a rest shelter and an observation deck for bird-watchers.
Here are some other interesting facts about the Springleaf Nature Park.
It used to be a kampung
Named after its headman, Mr Chan Ah Lak, Chan Chu Kang village was located in the 'kangkar' (Teochew for 'the land around the riverbank') of Seletar River. Mr Chan bought 18 hectares in 1850 and used it to cultivate gambier and pepper.
It also used to be a rubber plantation
In 1912 the land was used to support the growth of the rubber industry in Singapore. The village was subsequently renamed Nee Soon village after Lim Nee Soon, who set up the rubber factory in the 'kangkar'.
It is a bird watcher's dream
The six-hectare park is home to over 80 species of resident and migratory birds. The park even has an observation deck for bird-watchers to look out for species such as the White-throated Kingfisher, the Yellow-vented Bulbul and the Blue-tailed Bee-eater.
How to get there
Click on image for full map
Located at Nee Soon Road, Upper Thomson Road visitors can take various busses to get to the park. Bus services include, SBS 138, SMRT 167, 169 or 980. Visitors should alight at the bus stop outside the former Nessea Club.
