HDB’s playgrounds are well-loved recreational landmarks which have played an integral part in our collective experience of growing up in Singapore. They are an important part of the shared social space in HDB heartlands, helping to bond, and bring families and the community together.

To enhance residents’ experience of these key communal spaces, HDB has begun developing a new generation of thematic playgrounds in its new housing projects. These playgrounds showcase their towns’ history and heritage, inspiring imagination and nurturing an adventurous spirit in children through exploration and role play. Some features also cater to adults, encouraging parents to further interact and bond with their children through play.

Six thematic playgrounds have been completed in Choa Chu Kang, Sengkang, Woodlands, Sembawang, and Toa Payoh. These include two distinctive military-themed playgrounds at Keat Hong Gardens and Keat Hong Mirage, where Keat Hong camp used to be located. The play equipment there has been designed to resemble military tanks, cannons, and watchtowers, allowing children to dive into a world of fantasy. Fathers and grandfathers can also regale their children and grandchildren at those playgrounds with stories from their National Service days.

At the military-themed playground at Keat Hong, children get to climb and “drive” a “military tank”, or make a quick getaway from “enemies” via a firemen’s pole.

Children can imagine taking command of the seas at a double-decker ship playground at Sembawang. The neighbourhood was once a naval base with shipyards.

Residents can look forward to more immersive play by 2021, as HDB completes another nine thematic playgrounds in Bukit Panjang, Dawson, and Clementi. Five of these playgrounds will be located in Dawson estate and designed along nature themes, in line with the “Housing-in-a-Park” vision for Dawson. Each thematic playground will be designed with a unique storyline in mind, to better inspire children’s imaginations and develop their creativity.

To celebrate 100 years of playground fun, you can now relive fond memories of our playgrounds and help design the future of play at the “The More We Get Together: Singapore’s Playgrounds 1930 – 2030” exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. Organised by the National Heritage Board in collaboration with HDB, this exhibition will run until 30 September 2018. See you there!