SINGAPORE: Residents in Jurong West have a new eco-garden. It is part of JTC Corporation’s business park — CleanTech Park — in Boon Lay.

The five-hectare garden was opened on Sunday by the area’s Member of Parliament and Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.

It features walking trails, a butterfly garden and a freshwater swamp.

Leow Thiam Seng, director of JTC Corporation’s aerospace, marine & CleanTech cluster, said: “When we first planned for this place, we discovered that there’s a rich biodiversity here, and with the two dragon kilns, the whole idea became very intuitive.

“So we decided to position it as an eco-park for the whole CleanTech Park. We hope that the residents can use this opportunity to be more exposed and be nearer to biodiversity.”

It is part of the freshwater swamp and has been enhanced so that it can capture 65 per cent of the rainwater runoff here. That water is then filtered and recycled for other uses in the park — for example, for general outdoor washing, to flush the toilets and to irrigate the plants.

Mr Gan Kim Yong, Health Minister and MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC, said: “This Jurong Eco-Garden is part of the progressive enhancement of the CleanTech Park housing companies and research institutes in the clean technology industry.

“But it is more than just another piece of industrial real estate as it gives the community more green space on which we can explore, discover and reconnect with nature.

“Beyond just being passive green spaces, the Jurong Eco-Garden can become a focal point for community interaction.

“It will cater to a myriad of recreational activities — you can come here to do some bird-watching, conduct your physical exercises, or simply just take leisurely strolls and enjoy the lush greenery here. Schools can also enjoy this eco-garden as another destination for field trips.”

Mike Goh, a 46-year-old engineer who works at the business park, appreciates having the eco-garden so near to his workplace.

Mr Goh said: “I’m glad that this park is very near the office so… I can actually take a break in the park and enjoy the greenery.”