The preservation of playgrounds in Singapore

1. The preservation of playgrounds in Singapore

2. Background: Preservation • Increasing appreciation of the cultural and historical values of these built • A way of anchoring Singaporeans in their Asian identity • Heritage sites have been systematically eroded with the large-scale demolition of parts of the city

3. Why playgrounds? .Preserve as many remaining mosaic playgrounds . Weave memories as the generations pass by . Create awareness to show that these places have a sentimental value deep down in the hearts of Singaporeans.

4. Comparisons

7. Animation time!!

9. What was that? • Well it is one of the many ways avid Singaporeans have been using to raise awareness about this disappearing sites. • Miss Antoinette Wong, Mr Justin Zhuang, Mr Lim Chee Peng and Mr Fong Qi Wei are some of the many Singaporeans that have been trying to create awareness about these mosaic playgrounds.

10. Interview with Mr Khor • He was inspired and influenced by the culture and history of Singapore. • These playgrounds were built to remind Singaporeans of our local culture. • Playgrounds then were built with sand pits as artificial rubber mats were not available then. • Sand pits were cheaper • Mosaic tiles were used as they were easier to maintain • Do not need to be retained each year.

11. Interview with Toa Payoh Residents • We interviewed about fifteen residents living near the dragon playground on the playground itself. Posing questions such as; • What is the dragon playground to you? • How would you feel if the playground were to be demolished? • Do you have any fond memories of the dragon playground? • A group of children were interviewed, and a few said that they would be sad if the playground was to be demolished as he enjoyed playing at the playground. • He also stated the playground was different from other playgrounds, as it was special.

12. Final Conclusion… • Playgrounds in Singapore should be conserved as they play vital role in Singapore’s identity. • They are reminders of memories. • When you conserve these playgrounds, you conserve the memories that have been made there. • People who spent their childhoods playing at these playgrounds are nostalgic when they revisit them.

13. Credits/References • Newspaper article DeepikaShetty,anhour@themusuem • Online sources http://www.singaporememory.sg/data/res27/mosaic_memories.pdf ,Justin Zhuang, Wee Ho Gai, ZakariaZainal http://thelittledromstore.tumblr.com/post/54180786343/mr-khor , http://www.thelittledromstore.com/the-playground-series/ ,Miss Antoinette Wong and Mr Stanley Tan http://remembersingapore.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/our-favourite-playgrounds-of-yesteryears/ , RemSG http://myitchyfingers.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/critically-endangered-species-the-last-pelican-of-singapore/ , • Interviews Mr KhorEan Ghee(13/09/13) and the residents living in the bloks near the dragon playground(10/09/13) • Books Historic buildings of Singapore,EdwinLee,PMB The Singapore Letters,RigorMortis,ethos books

14. End of Presentation~ • Thank you for your kind attention and may you consider to keep these precious memories of our fellow Singaporeans.