Speech by 2M Indranee Rajah at Launch of KPMG Wellness Garden
Sep 15, 2023
A very good morning to all and thank you for joining us here at East Coast Park. Today, I am pleased to open the newly-completed KPMG Wellness Garden.
Highlights of KPMG Wellness Garden
The KPMG Wellness Garden is the latest in our inclusive green spaces. It has four coastal-themed zones with a wide range of facilities for all to enjoy.
From the therapeutic garden, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast from an elevated deck; or take part in therapeutic horticulture programmes, and enjoy a sensory experience with herbs and edibles such as Mint and Stevia.
You can also take a leisurely stroll along the pond trail, lined with ornamentals such as the Indian Shot and Common Cattail, which attract dragonflies and birds. To restore and enhance coastal habitats, native plant species such as the Sea Lettuce and Silver Bush have also been planted.
The Wellness Garden is designed as a multi-generational space accessible to visitors of all ages and physical abilities. It has barrier-free paths and plenty of rest stops and seating areas.
Children can learn and play in the nature playgarden, which includes fun features like the raised sand table, a musical play station and even a wheelchair-accessible trampoline!
There is a therapeutic garden with universal access. It incorporates contemplative landscaping, including undulating terrains, rich biodiversity, and the use of natural colours to enhance mental health and well-being. Visitors will also get to view a special selection of plants that appeal to different senses.
The Wellness Garden is also designed with sustainability in mind. The fitness area incorporates upcycled logs, which are used as balance beams and stepping pods. Rocks from East Coast Park have also been ingeniously integrated into the terrain, in the form of charming stepping-stones.
KPMG’s Contributions
This Wellness Garden would not have been possible without the generous contributions from KPMG, through NParks’ Garden City Fund. I would like to thank KPMG for your support and for being actively involved in the development of the Garden over the past two years, since it was first announced in 2021. Please take some time to admire the beautiful log cookies and totems painted by KPMG staff and beneficiaries.
KPMG will also be collaborating with community organisations to organise a range of activities, including horticulture programmes for seniors, as well as nature tours to raise awareness about biodiversity.
Benefits of Nature to Health and Well-being
The KPMG Wellness Garden is a great example of how government and corporates can collaborate for public good. This Garden will help bring people closer to nature, as we transform Singapore into a City in Nature.
Today, we have a total of 10 therapeutic gardens in parks island-wide, including Jurong Lake Gardens, HortPark, Pasir Ris Park, and here at East Coast Park. With the support of the community and partners like KPMG, we aim to have 30 of such therapeutic gardens in parks around Singapore by 2030.
Launch of Urban Systems Studies Publication
Today, I am pleased to launch the Centre for Liveable Cities’ latest publication, titled Urban Systems Studies: Planning a City for Health and Well-being. This publication documents Singapore’s journey in planning and developing the city, to protect, provide for, and promote the health of our people.
One of the chapters outlines how Singapore is creating liveable environments that promote health. We encourage Universal Design in the built environment, so that our infrastructure and public spaces address the physical, social, and psychological needs of various demographics.
We are also weaving nature more intensively into our urban landscape, and connecting our green spaces.
Conclusion
I hope that you will enjoy this KPMG Wellness Garden with your friends and families. Thank you.