Forum: Balance private sports bookings with public access
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ActiveSG is championed as an inclusive national movement encouraging mass participation in sports. However, frequent facility closures for private bookings often undermine this objective.
Bukit Gombak Stadium, for example, is scheduled for full or partial closure for 17 out of 30 days in April. Such frequent interruptions deprive the general public of consistent opportunities for outdoor exercise. While organised events have their place, they should be moderated to ensure the “public” in public infrastructure is not sidelined.
A middle-ground approach is needed. For instance, a football pitch booking should not automatically necessitate closing the surrounding running tracks. Similarly, small groups of athletes should not be allowed to cordon off four out of eight lanes if it disproportionately restricts the majority of users.
Stadium management must ensure that the interests of a minority do not consistently outweigh the daily health and wellness needs of the community at large.
Yeo Eng Huat
