AusLeisure

Singapore residents can now enjoy a new area of open space following this week's official opening of the Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk.

The 2.1 kilometre, SG$10 million walk comprises three distinct segments - Alexandra Garden Trail, Berlayer Creek and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk.

The Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk was conceptualised and developed by Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and will be managed by the National Parks Board.

Visitors can now enter mangrove and coastal areas, which were previously not accessible to pedestrians with the Walk also connecting the Singapore's Southern Ridges to its Southern Waterfront.

A relatively small area of 5.6 hectares, Berlayer Creek is home to a myriad of wildlife species. Some 60 bird species, 19 species of fish and 14 true mangrove plant species have been recorded.

Extra care was taken to retain the natural environment of the Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk with some areas of boardwalk elevated to ensure animals can still move from one end to the other.

As the movements usually happen at night, there are no lamp posts along certain stretches of the Walk.

URA's Executive Architect for Conservation & Urban Design Group Lee Howe Ming explains "we do not have lamp posts along here because that would be too much in this environment. So all the lights are hidden below the handrails in terms of subtle LED lights.

"At night, we can still maintain the nocturnal environment of this area and at the same time, the public can still come in for a kind of moonlit stroll in this mangrove setting."

Footpaths and cycle paths also meander around mature rain trees, seamlessly weaving flora and fauna into the urban landscape.

Information panels placed at various intervals along the Walk allow visitors to learn about nearby attractions and rich biodiversity in the area.

Construction of the Walk began in 2010 and was completed before Christmas. It was officially opened by Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang on Monday.

Minister Lim said the extension will provide many new and healthy ways for visitors and residents of Telok Blangah to spend their weekends and holidays.

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