Question No: 423 

Question by: Dr Choo Pei Ling 

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) how public spaces in new towns such as Tengah are designed to promote outdoor activity and family bonding in line with Grow Well SG; and (b) how their effectiveness in supporting child wellbeing is evaluated. 

Answer: 

HDB provides a variety of public spaces and recreational facilities in our towns to promote outdoor activity and family bonding, in line with Grow Well SG. 

Tengah town, for instance, has thematic and colourful playgrounds that encourage families to bring their children outdoors, promoting physical activity over sedentary indoor activities.  These playgrounds are part of 3-Generation facilities, co-located with adult and elderly fitness stations. Where possible, childcare and senior care facilities are also co-located to increase intergenerational interaction.  These initiatives cultivate strong family and community relationships and reinforce healthy lifestyles, contributing to our children’s overall well-being. 

Tengah Town also features the Plantation and Garden Farmways, which serve as green connectors designed to bring residents together.  

Effectiveness of these provisions is assessed through various means.  For instance, HDB conducts the Sample Household Survey once every five years to gather residents’ feedback, including their satisfaction with the facilities available. Beyond collaborations with research institutions, HDB also conducts Post-Occupancy Surveys for all newly completed BTO developments, as well as focus group discussions and observational studies. These insights inform continual improvements, ensuring spaces evolve to meet changing family needs and complement Grow Well SG’s efforts to nurture healthy habits in children.