Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: A Gem in the Heartlands

During the CNY, we were able to revisit Bishan Park, now the newly-improved Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Like the water park in Khatib, we also lived in the area for a few months.

While we were staying in Ang Mo Kio back in 2008, half of the park was being constructed. The only open areas were the ones along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. We have visited the park during that time and I still have memorable photos of Baby Ashrie with both me and her mom. So when we went there last week, we went directly to the newly constructed areas, skipping the areas we've seen before.

This park can be seen from the MRT in my daily commute but it is so much better to actually be in it. The park is quite surreal because it is really spacious and the difference in slopes makes it even more interesting. It is flanked by high-rise condominium and housing blocks so it kinda looks like an oasis in an urban jungle of sorts. They really made a good job because out of the unsightly sewer canal before, they transformed the space to a man-made but natural-looking stream, teeming with small fishes, aquatic plants and grasses. The vegetation now serves as a filter to the water passing through while attracting birds, insects and even frogs. They have made an entirely new ecosystem and it is very beneficial both to nature and us. And yup, the stone steps bridge was fun!

 

And whoever thought of using those massive concrete slabs from the deconstructed canal to be saved and used for the hill is genius. Here, they've upcycled those materials to be the stairs and floors and added a modern steel sculpture to be the focal point. A perfect juxtaposition of old and new, rugged and refined.

We had a short picnic on this spot with friends then we went to the playground for the kids. It was a sand park with huge concrete spheres. And the girls loved it. It was also Lia's first sand experience. Hopefully the next one will be on the beach.

  

Aside from the huge lawn, a skating rink, a dog park, exercise area (of course), there's McDonalds. So the park got your needs all covered. 

It was a lovely day and a pleasant experience indeed.