THE final puzzle piece in a $22 million trail network snapped into place yesterday near the Changi Airport.
With the completion of an 8km stretch of bike paths and greenery, the Eastern Coastal Park Connector, officially opened. The 42km network, which took a decade to complete, links six parks in the east.
Outdoor enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the connector, which is part of an ambitious island-wide lattice of parks and trails.
'The Park Connector Network is an important part of our plans to transform Singapore into a City-in-a-Garden,' said Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan yesterday.
'Our vision of Singapore is one where our city is nestled within lush greenery, with green lungs set among buildings and built-up facilities.'
The newest stretch forms part of a loop that links East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park, Pasir Ris Park, Bedok Reservoir Park, Sun Plaza and Bedok Town Park.
The other connectors within the loop are at Siglap, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Loyang, Changi and Bedok.
The Eastern coastal grid is part of the National Parks Board's (NParks) Park Connector Network - an islandwide network of open spaces that link major parks, nature sites and housing estates in Singapore.
Park connectors are usually found alongside the many rivers and canals that flow through the island. They are sometimes used as convenient shortcuts to MRT stations and schools.
The Eastern section is the first of seven loops to be completed, with the Western Park Connector Network expected to be next in line.
Other loops are Kallang- Serangoon, Northern, North Eastern, Southern Ridges and Siglap-Kallang Basin Loops.
So far, 100km of park connectors have been completed, with another 100km set to be built by 2015.
It is uncertain how long the entire network will be and when it will be completed.
The NParks plans to set up a bike rental system in the eastern section where people can rent a two-wheeler at one park and return it at another.
The four proposed drop-off points are in Telok Kurau Park, Bedok Town Park, Pasir Ris Town Park and Changi Beach Park.
The Eastern network has no shortage of scenic spots. Pasir Ris Park boasts a 6ha mangrove forest, while the coastline at Changi Beach Park offers view of the sunset.
A connector near Changi Airport provides glimpses of planes taking off.
Mr Nick Rienstra, 56, who cycles six days a week, welcomed the Eastern link.
Said the retiree: 'Riding on the park connectors is far superior to riding on roads. Not only is it safer, and faster, but the the route is more picturesque.'
'Now, I'm just hoping to spot the A380 airplane the next time round.'
