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 Channel NewsAsia 26 Nov 04
NParks relaxes rules on camping permits

The National Parks Board has lifted the requirements for camping permits from next month to make camping more enjoyable.

The five parks that allow camping are Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park, Sembawang Park, and West Coast Park.

NParks says camping in these parks is a popular activity, especially during weekends and public holidays. From January to October 2004, it received over 10,000 applications for camping permits.

It says the permits were available for free and were needed for NParks to manage the number of campers at each site to prevent overcrowding, and to reinforce general guidelines to applicants on camping at parks.

Dr Leong Chee Chiew, NParks Chief Operating Officer, said: "With the relaxation of this rule, we hope more families and friends can enjoy camping in our parks. This is part of NParks' ongoing efforts to enhance parks users' experiences, and bring more people into our parks". "We would like to encourage all campers and other park users to exercise courtesy towards others in carrying out their activities. Together we can create a pleasant and safe environment for all to enjoy."

In addition to the five parks, camping is also allowed at Noordin and Mamam Beaches in Pulau Ubin. These two sites currently do not require permits. However, campers are advised to inform the officers at the Pulau Ubin Police Post on the day that they are camping there.

Additional information is available at the NParks website.

Full text of NParks press statement
26 November 2004
MEDIA STATEMENT - NPARKS RELAXES RULE ON CAMPING PERMITS

From 1 December 2004, campers no longer need to apply for camping permits. In an effort to make camping more enjoyable, the National Parks Board (NParks) will be relaxing the requirement for camping permits in five parks that allow camping.

These parks are: Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park, Sembawang Park, and West Coast Park. Camping in these parks is a popular activity, especially during weekends and public holidays.

From January to October 2004, NParks received over 10,000 applications for camping permits. Previously, those interested in camping at these five parks were required to obtain permits from NParks at least five days in advance through the NParks website (www.nparks.gov.sg), or at the NParks Operations Office at Gateway West (18th floor). Camping permits for East Coast Park were also available on the spot at Coastal Recreation Pte Ltd (bicycle kiosk near Carpark C3).

The permits were available for free and were needed for NParks to manage the number of campers at each site to prevent overcrowding, and to reinforce general guidelines to applicants on camping at parks.

“With the relaxation of this rule, we hope more families and friends can enjoy camping in our parks. This is part of NParks’ ongoing efforts to enhance parks users’ experiences, and bring more people into our parks” revealed Dr Leong Chee Chiew, NParks Chief Operating Officer.

He added “We would like to encourage all campers and other park users to exercise courtesy towards others in carrying out their activities. Together we can create a pleasant and safe environment for all to enjoy ”

The move by NParks to relax the rule is good news for *Mr Low Yin Shen, Quality Assurance and Planning Manager and father of two. Mr Low, who has just purchased a new tent, said: " We are very happy that NParks has relaxed this rule. My children love camping and we camp regularly at either East Coast Park or Pasir Ris Park. Now we can be more spontaneous and go camping even at last minute."

Apart from the five parks, camping is also allowed at Noordin and Mamam Beaches in Pulau Ubin. These two sites currently do not require permits. However, campers are advised to inform the officers at the Pulau Ubin Police Post on the day that they are camping there.
 

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