A STUDY OF SPORTS FACILITIES PROVISION BY THE SINGAPORE SPORTS COUNCIL TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SINGAPOREANS

Abstract

Key demographic changes have taken place, altering the basis upon which sports facilities are built. As societal and community change continues to create impact, the Singapore Sports Council has to make adjustments accordingly so as to remain efficient and satisfy the public. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the adequacy of the current provision of facilities by the Singapore Sports Council and to anticipate the future needs of the public due to changes in demographics. Findings include the need for more elderly-friendly sports facilities and new ideas that can maximise the use of our grounds due to the large amounts of land some sports consume. Excess school infrastructure in the future can create more opportunities for adaptive reuse and shared use of the facilities. More drop-in facilities and family-based sports recreation centres are encouraged so as to provide a more convenient workout experience for those with hectic lives. The opening of more school facilities to the public, especially soccer fields, would relieve the pressing demand from the community. Lastly, international practices and ideas, like the joint planning of sports facilities between authorities, elevated jogging tracks and movable pool bulkheads provided a learning experience on new innovations and facilities that the Singapore Sports Council could adopt for improvement.