RECREATIONAL USE AND MANAGEMENT : A STUDY OF PASIR RIS PARK

Abstract

Parks and open spaces are no longer revered as places for passive recreation or simply as a city's 'green lungs'. As society becomes increasingly sophisticated, recreation needs and demands become more complex as parks are imbued with multiple values that include recreation, social and economic dimensions. The challenge to park planners is to enhance the value of parks and open spaces by providing a diverse spectrum of uses, recreational opportunities and environmental settings that can meet the changing recreation trends and enhance the positive qualities of urban life. This thesis examines the recreational development of Pasir Ris Park over space and time. It studies the changing recreation experience of the park's users and how it has been shaped by the development of recreational opportunities in the park. Existing use patterns and user perceptions are studied to provide information on current recreation trends and management of the park. The provision of recreational opportunities in the park is examined by looking at the approach that has been taken in the development and management of Pasir Ris Park. The role of public and private providers of recreational opportunities in the park is also assessed. The findings from this study show that the popularity of Pasir Ris Park today can be attributed to the diverse recreational opportunities and park settings that have been provided. The inclusion of private sector involvement in the development of park facilities has played a significant role in extending the range of recreational opportunities available in the park. With rapidly changing social lifestyle trends, for parks to remain relevant, there is a need for diversity of both natural settings and social facilities in parks that cater to diverse groups of people.