Running alongside the Bukit Timah Expressway for about 2.5 km, Zhenghua Nature Park is long and linear. It extends all the way from the Bukit Panjang estate in the north to Dairy Farm Road in the south where it comes up to Dairy Farm Nature Park.
As with other nature parks in Singapore, Zhenghua Nature Park sits at the edge of the Central Catchment Area. Besides being a recreational space, it also serves the purpose of being a green buffer for the forest of the Central Catchment Area.
What differentiates from most other nature parks is that is has playgrounds in it. Most of the other nature parks in Singapore, with the exception of Rifle Range Nature Park and Hindehede Nature Park, do not have play areas. Maybe one of reasons why it has playgrounds could be its close proximity to the housing estates at Bukit Panjang.
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Almost 10 years ago in November 2015, a 3.8-hectare extension was added to the originally Zhenghua Nature Park. Located at Segar Road, close to residential flats, this extension included a sand-based children’s playground, an open green and amenities like toilets for visitors. This area is located just behind Beacon Primary School.
What to Expect at Zhenghua Nature Park
Children’s Playground in the North Section and Open Grounds
As mentioned, there is a children’s playground in the north part of Zhenghua Nature Park. Set on a hill, this part of the park – which was the 2015 extension – has an open green where events can be held as well as a sheltered “amphitheatre” area as well as toilets.
It is also where the Zhenghua Nature Park playground can be found.
This is a sand-based playground with orange coloured play equipment.
There are two pairs of swings. These include regular swings and bucket swings for young children.
Other play equipment at the children’s playground in a climbing obstacle course and another set of play equipment for younger kids.
Close by, there is also a fitness corner.
Paths and Pavilions
The rest of this section of Zhenghua Nature Park comprises paths that wind their way through the quiet park.
Closer to Beacon Primary School, there is Respite Pavilion. This is shelter that overlooks the pathways below and looks out in the direction of the Bukit Timah Expressway.
One thing to take note is that with its close proximity to the Bukit Timah Expressway, you can always hear the sound of traffic while in the park. It becomes a background drone that you get used to after a while.
With such a long linear layout, the rest of Zhenghua Park invites more exploration.
Trail Along the Bukit Timah Expressway
A trail runs parallel to the Bukit Timah Expressway. Around Bukit Panjang town, this consists of urban tarmac and, at some sections of the trail, you may come across a low fence. This is designed to keep out large animals such as wild boars.
So, if you come across a gate, be sure to close it and latch it behind you to keep out the wild animals.
As you walk, you will come across water pipes at some sections of the trail.
Of if you head southwards after Cashew Road, there are gravelly trails leading off toward the Bukit Timah Reserve.
While some sections are quite flat, it is best to be prepared for some undulating pathways with steep slopes.
Take a Side Trip to Bukit Panjang Neighbourhood Park 2
Zhenghua Nature Park almost functions as a jumping off point to other side trips. One of these side trips that you can do is to head to Bukit Panjang Neighbourhood 2 Park.
This is a little hillside park where you can climb to the top to enjoy the views and sense of accomplishment.
Venture into Chestnut Nature Park
Another side trip that you can do from Zhenghua Nature Park, although it turn out to be the main trip, is to head under the Bukit Timah Expressway to enter Chestnut Nature Park and the rest of the Central Catchment Area.
In fact, a walking loop that you can try is to start from Zhenghua Nature Park, venture into Chestnut Nature Park’s north section, head down and join back Zhenghua Nature Park.
Second Children’s Playground
Those with kids will be happy to find a second children’s playground at Zhenghua Nature Park. This one is close to Block 248 Bangkit Road and has a green play tower as well as a low rope pyramid.
Escape to the Edge of Nature at Zhenghua Park
Zhenghua Nature Park sits right at the edge of the Central Catchment Area. Its long design means that it can act as a nice path for walking, jogging or cycle. It can also serve as a jumping off to venture into the Central Catchment Area and take a dive into nature.
If you enjoyed reading about Zhenghua Park, you won’t want to miss this story on Chestnut Nature Park.
