Exotic location for a run/walk: Tampines Eco Green

Eco-trail Running Park in the East of Singapore

Newly opened in 2011, the Tampines Eco Green Park is a nature-lover’s delight. In the middle of high-density HDB flats, this 36.5 hectare park, situated in the east of our island nation, is home to a wealth of biodiversity, with its rainforest, grasslands, and freshwater wetlands. The green sanctuary is home to over 75 species of birds, 20 species of dragon ies, 35 species of butter ies and 32 species of spiders. The park was designed with minimal intrusion, leaving most of the land untouched and in its original state.

Highlights in the Ecologically Conscious Park

The park offers three trails, namely Diversity Trail, Forest Trail and Marsh Trail, that weave through the secondary forests. Along those trails, nature lovers and wildlife photographers encounter nature at close proximity inside bird hides while visitors walk or exercise on the green, easy terrain.

This ecologically conscious park includes features like an eco-toilet, vegetated swales, bird hides and green roofs on all the shelters. Even the park furniture was made using recycled materials and environmentally friendly products.

If you are heading to Tampines Eco Green soon, take note of the following key highlights:

• Freshwater Habitat (Diversity Trail)
• Eco-Toilet (Off Diversity Trail)
• Bird Hide (At the junction of Marsh Trail and Diversity Trail)
• Snags (Diversity Trail)
• Vegetated Swales and Water Catchment (Marsh Trail)

• Forest Trail

  

  Calling To All Trail Runners

The park offers a marsh trail, and a forest trail, totalling to about 4.5km. What makes this park incredibly unique is that these trails are neither gravel nor concrete, but grass, which makes it a perfect running surface for those with knee complaints. The trails are clearly marked out with directional sign, and the distances are clearly indicated.

Runners are advised to respect the ecosystems while they enjoy the experience of getting close to nature. Take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Runners are also warned that there is no lighting at the park, making it unsuitable for night runs.

Reference: Singapore National Parks