SG50 Jubilee Big Walk in heart of Singapore draws 25,000
PM Lee flags off event celebrating SG50; many took part with families and friends
By Calvin Yang, The Straits Times, 30 Nov 2015
A drizzle at the start of the SG50 Jubilee Big Walk early yesterday failed to dampen the spirits of the 25,000 participants who took a leisurely stroll through the heart of Singapore.
The 5km mass walk, organised by The New Paper and the People's Association, is one of the last major events of the nation's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
It took in part of a permanent 8km commemorative trail, known as the Jubilee Walk, connecting more than 20 historic and iconic locations within the Civic District and Marina Bay precinct.
Eager walkers had begun arriving as early as 5.30am for the 7am flag-off. Many took the chance to soak in the sights.
"It was a walk down memory lane for me," said retiree Johnny Toh, 64, who was at the event with six family members.
"Singapore is so different now, compared with the past. There are many skyscrapers and new buildings. It was nice to be able to enjoy what Singapore has built over the years together with my loved ones."
Like Mr Toh, many walkers were with their families and friends.
Among them was 49-year-old John Lee, who took part with his wife and two sons, aged seven and 12. "It is good to expose our children to Singapore's historical landmarks, so they can better appreciate how far we have come as a nation," he said.
Landmarks along the route held special and personal memories.
Landmarks along the route held special and personal memories.
Student Karthik Thayumanavan, 22, said walking past the floating platform reminded him of his national service days. The venue was where he had his passing-out parade at the end of basic military training.
"That was a proud moment for me," said Mr Karthik, who completed the walk with his girlfriend.
Yesterday's route passed key landmarks and sites marking significant events in Singapore's development, including the Padang, before ending at The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay.
The event was flagged off by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the start point at the National Museum.
Mr Lee, who also launched the permanent Jubilee Walk yesterday, completed the walk, along with families, babies in strollers and individuals decked out in superhero outfits.
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Mr Lee took selfies, shook hands and exchanged high fives with the crowd and also launched the 220m Jubilee Bridge connecting the Merlion Park and waterfront promenade by the Esplanade.
He then visited the SG Heart Map Festival at the Marina Bay floating platform, where he joined young children on a merry-go-round at the festival's literary playground.
Performers, from ukelele groups to percussion bands, lined various parts of the route. Stilt walkers and buskers were also at the end point to entertain the crowd.
He then visited the SG Heart Map Festival at the Marina Bay floating platform, where he joined young children on a merry-go-round at the festival's literary playground.
Performers, from ukelele groups to percussion bands, lined various parts of the route. Stilt walkers and buskers were also at the end point to entertain the crowd.
Sales executive Julia Tan, 49, who completed the walk with a few of her colleagues, said: "It didn't feel like a walk. It was more of a history lesson, a parade and a sightseeing tour, all condensed into one."
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Civic District refreshed for walkers
25,000 set to explore historic area as part of Jubilee Big Walk
By Janice Heng, The Straits Times, 28 Nov 2015
Some 25,000 participants in tomorrow's SG50 Jubilee Big Walk will find a rejuvenated Civic District tailored for walkers.
Roads have been turned into lawns and footpaths, benches and greenery proliferate, and waterfront steps provide spots for a break. The changes are part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's revitalisation of the historic area, as set out in last year's Master Plan.
In front of the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, part of busy Fullerton Road has been realigned to create a spacious lawn. Along the waterfront near the Asian Civilisations Museum, as well as along Queen Elizabeth Walk, broad steps run down to the edge of the Singapore River, providing a place to sit and admire the view.
25,000 set to explore historic area as part of Jubilee Big Walk
By Janice Heng, The Straits Times, 28 Nov 2015
Some 25,000 participants in tomorrow's SG50 Jubilee Big Walk will find a rejuvenated Civic District tailored for walkers.
Roads have been turned into lawns and footpaths, benches and greenery proliferate, and waterfront steps provide spots for a break. The changes are part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's revitalisation of the historic area, as set out in last year's Master Plan.
In front of the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, part of busy Fullerton Road has been realigned to create a spacious lawn. Along the waterfront near the Asian Civilisations Museum, as well as along Queen Elizabeth Walk, broad steps run down to the edge of the Singapore River, providing a place to sit and admire the view.
These are just some of the improvements that participants of tomorrow's 5km Jubilee Big Walk will pass. The event is organised by The New Paper and the People's Association.
The route runs along parts of an 8km trail called the Jubilee Walk, which will be officially launched tomorrow.
The trail passes more than 20 landmarks with both historical and present-day significance for Singapore, beginning at the historic National Museum and ending at the Marina Barrage (see graphic).
The trail passes more than 20 landmarks with both historical and present-day significance for Singapore, beginning at the historic National Museum and ending at the Marina Barrage (see graphic).
"The Jubilee Walk allows Singaporeans to commemorate Singapore's past, celebrate our present, and inspires us to look forward to a brighter future together," said the SG50 Programme Office.
Gold SG50 markers on the pavement line the route, while signs shed light on the significance of landmarks. For a more in-depth experience, the public can also use the Singapore Time Walk mobile app to explore the trail.
As a self-guided trail, the Jubilee Walk has no fixed route and does not need to be done in a day, according to the SG50 Programme Office. Doing it in several trips, for instance, will allow people to visit historic buildings, which "will make the Walk more manageable, experiential and meaningful".
The Civic District improvements extend beyond the Jubilee Walk too. Connaught Drive has been narrowed from four lanes to two, with a wide pedestrian path allowing for an easy trip from the Padang to Esplanade Park.
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