Forum: Clearer guidelines needed to preserve positive East Coast Park camping experience
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I applaud the increased numbers who enjoy the outdoors locally. Increasingly, friends and family are camping at East Coast Park over the weekends and holidays. Sadly, there are some who leave their trash behind, making the cleaners work doubly hard.
We need more enforcement even as we continue with education and building awareness. I suggest that party streamers and confetti not be allowed in the park as, once discharged, this non-biodegradable glitter is almost impossible to be picked up. Perhaps the National Parks Board should include this guideline when campers and BBQ-pit renters apply for permits.
I also observe that there are some who leave their trash behind at night when they are going off. We need enforcement during these late hours to address this. Lastly, while legitimate campers register their groups and set up tents in permitted areas, groups – and sometimes in big numbers – who do not put up tents but stay overnight at the pavilions or just sleep on ground sheets do not register.
May I suggest clearer guidelines for staying overnight – whether or not tents are put up. NParks should also set out guidelines covering loud music and karaoke sessions at the park.
Tan Lai Yong
