Urban parks and green spaces in Singapore

Abstract

Parks and green spaces have a particular role to play in cities where they are also under threat from urbanisation pressures. This paper considers the qualities and purposes of urban parks and issues of park development, planning and underlying agendas within the context of the city state of Singapore where parks have acquired a special significance in the years since independence. They are regarded as economic, social and environmental assets which contribute to national identity, destination image, the health and welfare of the population, prosperity and sustainability. Policy decisions reflect wider circumstances and are informed by political and nation building agendas as well as a commitment to economic growth and the nurturing of a garden city which is attractive to tourists and investors. Parks emerge as mirrors of the societies they serve and their study illuminates prevailing conditions and modes of government.

Keywords:

• green spaces
• leisure planning
• political systems
• Singapore
• urban parks