Forum: Agencies work together to ensure inclusive, accessible spaces for community sports
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We thank Mr Zulkifli Baharudin for his letter, “ Kudos to Tanglin Rugby Club for letting public use Farrer Park pitch
Public recreational and sports spaces are planned and developed through a coordinated national framework. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), as steward of state land and properties, works closely with partner agencies to facilitate suitable interim uses that support community activities, including sports uses.
Where state land and properties are tendered for interim use, SLA assesses proposals not just on rental bids but also on quality elements which can include community programming and sustainability efforts. Recent joint SLA/Sport Singapore (SportSG) tenders – such as those at 10A Harding Road, under the Gali Batu and Bukit Merah Flyovers, and in Carlisle Road – reflect this approach, with operators offering community access, inclusive activities and placemaking programmes for diverse groups.
Under the Sport Facilities Master Plan (SFMP), SportSG aims to provide innovative, accessible and affordable sport facilities to residents. These include ActiveSG Sport Centres, facilities within integrated community developments, Sport-In-Precinct (SIP) spaces, as well as Dual-Use Scheme (DUS) facilities embedded within housing estates.
Beyond this, SLA manages more than 200 open fields islandwide that are open to the community for play and recreation.
The public can look forward to new and rejuvenated ActiveSG sport facilities in Hougang and Punggol, which will open in the near future.
SportSG also works actively with agencies and partners to expand access by repurposing suitable spaces – such as viaducts and multi-storey carpark rooftops – into sport and recreation areas, with the upcoming SIP facility in Dover Crescent as one example.
Agencies will continue working together to ensure that Singaporeans have access to a diverse network of spaces for sport, recreation and community activities, whether through planned facilities or suitable interim sites.
Carrie Wong
Director, Business Planning and Development Division
Singapore Land Authority
Dean Tan
Deputy Chief, Industry Development Group
Sport Singapore
