Leisure and Recreation
Apart from its contributions to Singapore's public utilities, Bedok Reservoir is a place of rest, relaxation, and fun. It offers a myriad of activities suitable for all age groups and interests.
01
Water Sports
The HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Singapore 2004 was held at Bedok Reservoir. Dr Yacob Ibrahim, Singapore’s then Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, approved the Singapore Waterski and Wakeboard Federation’s use of Bedok Reservoir for this major international event. [24] Ample support for the event was also provided by the Singapore Sports Council and the Public Utilities Board.
This marked a first as the Singapore government had never granted this permission to any organisation prior. This was also especially significant as it was the first international water sports event to be held at a local reservoir. [25]
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The HSBC Wakeboard World Cup enjoyed much success, with over 12,000 spectators in attendance. [26] Moreover, this helped open the way for the reservoir and other water bodies to be opened to other water sports as well as demonstrate the potential of the reservoirs for recreational activities to the public. [27]
02
Forest Adventure
Forest Adventure, Singapore’s first treetop obstacle course, was built in Bedok Reservoir Park in 2007. Incorporating the natural environment of the reservoir, the course is built on trees in the park and features a 300m zipline across Bedok Reservoir. [28]
03
Park Connecters
The Eastern Corridor is an 18 km route comprising park connectors that have been progressively completed since it was first announced in 2021. [29] Half of the route is located along waterways, including those enhanced under national water agency PUB’s ABC Waters Programme.[30]
This was built in an effort to connect green spaces in Singapore and to provide the community with easy access to nature and its benefits. It also serves to encourage community interactions, and foster awareness and appreciation for the environment
Arts and Culture
The reservoir is also a place for earning and appreciating culture through its various performances and displays
Performances
The world premier of Hydro Sapiens was held at the newly constructed floating deck as part of the Singapore Arts Festival in June 2008.
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NParks SG50 Concert Series in the Park held its fourth installment at Bedok Reservoir Park on 26 September 2015. [31] It featured local artists such as T'ang Quartet, More than Music, and Djoko Mangkreng Performing Arts. Additionally, the reservoir was utilized creatively by the Urban Drum Crew who performed with lighted water drums on dragon boats. [32]
Berlin Wall (2010-2013)
Four panels of the Berlin Wall were on display at Bedok Reservoir Park from 2010 to 2013. The 5m long section of the wall was here on indefinite loan from American oil industry veteran Robert A. Hefner III and his Singapore-born wife MeiLi. [33] It was there as the result of a friendship between the Hefners and the former Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo. [34] It was Mr Yeo who proposed that they display the pieces in Bedok Reservoir-Punggol, which was then his constituency.
References
[24]"SINGAPORE OPENS DOWNTOWN RESERVOIR FOR HSBC WAKEBOARD WORLD CUP STOP," International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation. Accessed October 20, 2024. http://www.iwsf.com/PressReleases/WorldCup2004/Singapore/Press%20Release%20-%20SINGAPORE%20OPENS%20DOWNTOWN%20RESERVOIR%20FOR%20HSBC%20WAKEBOARD%20WORLD%20CUP%20STOP.htm.
[25] Stanley Ho, “He might be only 15, but Soven rules the waves at Bedok,” Today, November 1, 2004. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20041101-1.2.44.10.
[26] Ho, “He might be only 15."
[27] "Singapore Sets Enlightened Precedent For New 2004 Wakeboard World Cup Venue," Sportcal. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.sportcal.com/pressreleases/singapore-sets-enlightened-precedent-for-new-2004-wakeboard-world-cup-venue/.
[28]Forest Adventure Pte Ltd. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://forestadventure.com.sg/?saf_src=google_g&saf_pt&saf_kw=forest%20adventure&saf_dv&saf_cam=19755975265&saf_grp=170282485148&saf_ad=697981271964&account_id=8747167517&saf_acc=8747167517&saf_cam_tp=search&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06gmNnagTOygW3vKB20e752BJ1DO9n54Wue4bX0OtSzGJdLq4TQXp3YaAuUaEALw_wcB.
[29] "Eastern Corridor," NParks Park Connector Network. Accessed October 28, 2024. https://pcn.nparks.gov.sg/recreational-connectivity/eastern-corridor/.
[30] "Eastern Corridor," NParks Park Connector Network.
[31] "A Night of Instrumental Favourites at Bedok Reservoir Park," National Parks Board. September 17, 2015. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparks-corporate/news/2015/9/a-night-of-instrumental-favourites-at-bedok-reservoir-park.
[32] "A Night of Instrumental Favourites at Bedok Reservoir Park," National Parks Board.
[33] Lisabel Ting, “Piece of the Berlin Wall at Bedok Reservoir Park to be removed,” The Straits Times, April 18, 2013. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/piece-of-the-berlin-wall-at-bedok-reservoir-park-to-be-removed.
[34] Ting, “Piece of the Berlin Wall at Bedok Reservoir Park to be removed.”