Have a clawsome fun at the River Crab Playground in Toa Payoh. The gigantic crustacean welcomes kids to climb up its leg and to get under its shell for an adventurous good time.
Red River Crab Playground at Toa Payoh Lorong 7 & 8
Located at Lorong 8, at the eastern end of Toa Payoh, the River Crab playground is a new play space for kids in the neighbourhood.
It was conceptualised, designed and built in partnership with the community. Residents contributed ideas alongside primary school students from First Toa Payoh Primary and Pei Chun Public School, as well as preschoolers from PCF Sparkletots and My First Skool centres nearby.
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Climbing Fun and Mini Obstacle Course
The playground’s River Crab design takes its inspiration from the nearby Kallang River.
As your approach the River Crab playground, you will find the red crab looking out with four legs elevating it off the ground.
The main playground structure is modelled after Johora singaporensis, a freshwater crab found only in Singapore. The crab’s legs, which give it its unique shape, are part of the play features of the playground.
Three of the legs provide ways for kids to enter into the crab playground. This creates a mini obstacle course with varied elements that kids can enjoy and challenge themselves while at play.
Two of the legs of the crab features nets that kids can use to climb upwards and into the crab’s shell.
Another features a ramp that has been lined with climbing hand and footholds for kids to use an alternative way up into the crab.
The last leg is a closed tube slide that kids can slip and slide their way down.
In fact, there is also a second, lower slide at the crab playground that kids can also use.
Kids can also reach the shell by climbing up from the centre using the various ropes and other climbing equipment laid out.
Other Features at the Toa Payoh Crab Playground
Around the Toa Payoh Crab Playground, there are other pieces of play equipment as well.
A hammock swing might looks slightly out of play amongst the crustatean themed structure but it was installed based on the feedback from residents that there should be play options for kids of all ages.
Another play feature at the crab playground is the little see-saw that can accommodate up to four kids at a time.
Otter Design Rubber Flooring
You may also notice that the playground’s rubber flooring has an interesting design.
The design is based on a winning entry by First Toa Payoh Primary School student Tee Jia Le for a design competition held from April to May 2024.
The artwork features a playful otter, an iconic animal just like the River Crab. The design highlights the need oto keep the river clean and how residents in Toa Payoh can live in balance between nature and urban life.
The Toa Payoh River Crab Playground
You can find the Toa Payoh River Crab Playground in front of Block 233 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh and Block 9 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy this other story about other Toa Payoh playgrounds.
