TELOK AYER GREEN TO TELL THE STORY OF EARLY IMMIGRANTS

Residents of Singapore's Chinatown district and visitors can look forward to beautiful and serene green pockets within the area in the next year. To be developed jointly by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), these green pockets will not only serve as quiet resting points, but will also reflect the history of the area.

This is part of the Chinatown Experience Guide Plan, which was first mooted in 1998 by the STB.

The two earmarked green pockets are the historically rich Telok Ayer Green and Ann Siang Hill Park. Enhancement works have already begun at Telok Ayer Green after which NParks and STB plan to carry out works at Ann Siang.

The Telok Ayer Green is sandwiched between two famous national monuments, the Thian Hock Keng temple and the Nagore Durgha Shrine, both historic places of worship frequented by Singapore's early immigrants. Many came here to offer their prayers of thanks for a safe journey across the seas from their homeland.

When completed by the end of the year, the Green will have a series of three bronze sculptures ? a sampan replica at the entrance, a sculpture depicting a Chinese festival procession and a third showcasing Indian spice traders. These works of art will not only beautify the park, but will also narrate the tale of the early immigrants through storyboards. The STB has called for a public tender on 20 April 2001 for sculptors to take up the task of designing and producing the pieces.

"While not disturbing the peaceful ambience of the Green, both partners hope to enhance the attractiveness of the park. The Chinatown residents have been updated of the progress of the Green and we are happy to hear that they look forward to the improvements as much as we do," said Mr Edmund Chua, Deputy Director of Thematic Development, Singapore Tourism Board.

As most of the earliest immigrants arrived by sea, a motif reminiscent of this theme will also be carried through the Green. The path through the garden will be laid with granite, rubblestone and pebble finish in a wavy pattern which will subtly symbolise the sea. A water feature at the centre of the green will complete this picturesque setting.

Besides sculptures and landscaping features, trellises and additional resting benches will be added. As the Green is a resting space, trees will be retained to provide a natural feel to the park as well as to provide more shade to park users.

The STB and the NParks envisage that these works will make Telok Ayer Green a more enticing resting area, while also providing a learning experience for those who stop by to rest.