CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE EAST COAST PARK : A STUDY IN RECREATION GEOGRAPHY

Abstract

The East Coast Park is a popular recreation stop for many Singaporeans. Utilization of the park is, however, unevenly distributed. The carrying capacity concept is used, firstly, to discern these utilization patterns. Secondly, it is used to assess the impacts of use on the land and on the users. Three related aspects of carrying capacity measures are used, namely, the physical, ecological and perceptual components. Physical carrying capacity shows the physical levels of utilization, which is examined for its spatial and temporal variations. To some extent, planning affects the utilization distribution. Spatially, concentrations occur near access areas, site features and available facilities. In the East Coast Park, Area C has the largest and highest density of users. This is principally attributed to the spatial concentration of facilities and activities available there. As a result of the area's popularity, an inadequacy of toilets/changing rooms is met during peak use. This shows that the catchment radius concept used in the physical planning of facilities has inherent shortcomings. Activity use also manifest concentration and distribution, while temporal variations of use confirm that peak use occur on Sundays, with use weakest during weekdays. Utilization levels, is also affected by weather conditions, which causes the park's use to decline. The ecological carrying capacity is studied from environmental impact studies, which indicate where the impact of use is greatest. Generally, the spatial patterns of impact correlate with the areas of concentrated use. It is pertinent to note that the East Coast Park is developed on reclaimed land and the environment of the East Coast Park is, thus, an artificially created one. This shows how the ecological carrying capacity of an area can be manipulated through capital inputs to allow increased use, e.g. paving to increase a site's durability. Natural processes of erosion, on the other hand, show little obvious impacts on use. Rather, it is the facilities which attract the use of an area. Perceptual carrying capacity is sampled for a set of users in an area of concentrated use. It is a study of the perception of 'crowding'. Most of the users show that they are relatively tolerant of the high utilization levels encountered. In fact the satisfaction rating is positive for most users. For the small numbers who are dissatisfied, they are the ones who are most likely to leave the area. This suggests that the perceptual carrying capacity is self-adjusting. Carrying capacity procedures are used to provide a positive recreational experience for users. Although it is made use of through site management measures, there is still scope for visitor management procedures. This can be achieved subtly through information cues, which can influence users to make the necessary re-adjustment, so that the utilization equilibrium for an area can be reached.