5 things to do at the newly opened Therapeutic Garden @ Bedok Reservoir Park

NParks hopes to have 30 Therapeutic Gardens by 2030.

Amanda Tan

Skills include buying the same jeans in different colours.

Published: 2 March 2022, 12:21 PM

The National Parks Board (NParks) opened two new therapeutic gardens at Bedok Reservoir Park and Pasir Ris Park on Feb 28 – the first two in the East of Singapore.

This brings the total number of therapeutic gardens in the network to nine.

Since 2016, NParks has been launching more specially designed outdoor gardens to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of park users.

Through the implementation of evidence-based design principles, the gardens have been deliberately planned to facilitate visitors’ interactions with nature and improve their well-being.

According to four evidence-based research pieces NParks conducted between 2018 to 2021, it’s been proven that passive exposure to therapeutic nature enhances mental resilience and induces positive changes in moods.

All therapeutic gardens have clear, looped pathways which allows visitors to navigate the space with ease. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

For the newly opened therapeutic garden @ Bedok Reservoir Park, it specifically targets the elderly and aims to help strengthen their mobility and stamina while engaging their minds.

That said, anyone can enter to simply enjoy the space. Here’s a quick look at the garden along with some activities you can partake in:

1. Engage in light exercise

Upon entering the therapeutic garden, you’ll be greeted by an inter-generational fitness corner on your right with equipment such as an arm cycler and body twister.

The physiotherapy steps encourage a certain amount of intensity to help promote progressive recovery. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

There’s also a short flight of stairs leading to a ramp that is meant to facilitate outdoor physiotherapy sessions.

2. Enjoy sound therapy

If you’d rather do something more laidback, you can head to the pavilion where the water feature is located.

The water feature provides a calming auditory experience for users. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

Take a seat at one of the many benches and tune in to the soothing sound of water flowing and birds chirping.

3. Do some rock balancing

The therapeutic garden @ Bedok Reservoir Park is the first to have the interactive rock garden where you can try your hand at rock balancing with the various rocks provided at the gravel pit.

The activity contributes to a calming experience for users. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

Rock balancing has been proven to strengthen the mental well-being, mindfulness, motor skills, and balance of individuals.

Rock balancing gets you to focus on your sense of touch. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

There’s also a space designed for wheelchair users to enjoy the activity.

The elevated platform allows wheelchair users to wheel themselves in comfortably. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

As the rocks can be quite dirty, wash your hands at the toilet outside. All therapeutic gardens have been conveniently located near a public restroom for accessibility.

4. Stop and smell the flowers

Quite literally, the therapeutic garden encourages you to slow down and appreciate the various shrubs and flowers which have been sorted according to their fragrances, colours and textures.

The different planting zones are meant to evoke memories of the past and engage the senses. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/AMANDA TAN

Once the COVID-19 situation has stabilised, NParks intends to hold therapeutic horticultural activities with raised planter boxes. Such activities would include scent bag making, flower and leaf pressing, and gardening.