The HortPark Nature Playgarden, located deep within HortPark, was the first of the many nature playgardens to open in Singapore. It first opened back in 2019 and set the scene for biophilic play spots all around the island.
HortPark Nature Playgarden is 0.35ha of lush greenery that wouldn’t look a leaf out of place in a fairytale. However, since its open, it is starting to look a bit weathered. Nonetheless, there are still little spots that kids can explore and enjoy.
HortPark Nature Playgarden: Different Play Zones
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Made up of various play zones, HortPark Nature Playgarden has been designed to allow and encourage child-directed play at a very basic level with the use of natural and recycled materials from logs, twigs and branches, to soil and water.
It is designed to encourage kids to explore and discover.
There are spots such as The Secret Den, a bamboo den, and places like The Magical Woods.
There is a log pile that kids can climb up on.
A frame with various bamboo cut outs act as a musical play toy, along with other instruments made from natural materials, for kids.
The trees at the HortPark Nature Playgarden have also been labelled with signs to engage kids. Unfortunately, some of the signs have not been kept very well and you can see the toll of the elements on them.
As your child manoeuvres the natural unevenness of logs and gravel flooring, he or she will be getting fit and honing their gross motor skills without even realising it. Or watch them practise some fine motor skills as interact with the various structures at the HortPark Nature Playgarden.
One of the play spots is the Stream, which has water that you could use to clean yourself up if you get too mucky and sandy! However, when we visited, the water was not flowing properly. Thankfully, there were some other taps close by.
Seeds Today, Stewards Tomorrow
The HortPark Nature Playgarden was NPark’s first efforts in taking open-ended play outdoors. It is a place where kids can get touch with nature. Now, there are plenty of Nature Playgardens in Singapore all across the island.
HortPark Nature Playgarden
HortPark is opened daily from 6 am to 11 pm but avoid visiting the HortPark Nature Playgarden after the sun has set as there are no lights illuminating the play zones.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy this one on other nature playgardens in Singapore.
