Bedok Reservoir

History

Bedok Reservoir was constructed under the Sungei Seletar/Bedok Water Scheme, completed in 1986. The scheme involved the damming of Sungei Seletar to form Lower Seletar Reservoir, the creation of Bedok Reservoir from a former sand quarry between 1966 and 1972 and the construction of Bedok Waterworks. The earth excavated was used for East Coast Reclamation in the 1970s (HDB Annual Reports). Its unique feature was the construction of nine stormwater collection stations to tap surface runoff from the surrounding urbanised catchments. Eight of these collection stations are ponds located at Yishun, Tampines, Bedok and Yan Kit new towns.

Reservoir

Bedok Reservoir is now open to water sports activities such as wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. This follows the Singapore Sports Council's (SSC's) efforts to allow water sport enthusiasts to make use of the various reservoirs for activities which do not compromise the quality of the water. The programme kicked off with the HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Singapore 2004, held at Bedok Reservoir on 30–31 October 2004 and this was the first international water sports event to be held at a local reservoir.

The hill on the west part of Bedok Reservoir is a popular place to fly model gliders.

In September 2014 a kayaker practicing in Bedok Reservoir when his boat capsized and he fell into the water. While swimming to a pontoon, he felt fish biting his feet and when out of the water, he saw huge injuries and cuts on his legs. Biologists claimed that the cuts could be caused by attacks from aggressive turtles or fish in the reservoir. From September to December 2014 more attacks were reported and as a result, sporting and recreational activities were suspended at Bedok Reservoir. Meanwhile, several varieties of predatory fish like African walking catfish, peacock bass, tarpon and armored sucker catfish have been caught in the reservoir. The government has issued advisories to those entering the waters. Severe fines and penalties have been imposed for those releasing fish here.

Bedok Reservoir Park

The Bedok Reservoir Park was developed around the picturesque Bedok Reservoir. The park is equipped with a jogging track, a children's playground, fitness stations and open fields. The park is popular for outdoor activities like inline skating, cycling, fishing and jogging. Jog A Walk Activities are held regularly at the park by schools and organisations. The area of the park is 417,000 m².The park is accessible via Bedok Reservoir Road

Six venues in the Bedok Reservoir Park can be booked for private events which are namely the Floating Deck (area of 1,320 sq.m, capacity of up to 240 people.), Activity Lawn (area of 3600 sq m, capacity of up to 2,000 persons), Jogging Track (4.3 kilometres long), Reservoir Vista (area of 3,600 sq.m, capacity of up to 2,000 persons), Reservoir Lawn (area of 13,200 sq. m, capacity of up to 5000 persons) and Viewing Gallery (area of 432 sq.m, capacity of up to 150 persons).

Events

The Launch of Water Sports Activity was held on 17 October 2004. It marked the first time water activities could be held in a local reservoir. The Guest of Honour, George Yeo (former Minister of Foreign Affairs and MP for Aljunied GRC) flagged off canoe racing during the event.

The HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Singapore 2004, was held at Bedok Reservoir on 30–31 October 2004. This was the first international water sports event to be held at a local reservoir.

The Wakeboard World Cup Singapore 2007 was held on 22 and 23 September 2007 during the Singapore leg of the World Cup Series. It stopped at Russia and Ireland first before ending at Qatar. It was organised by the Singapore Waterski & Wakeboard Federation.

The world premier of Hydro Sapiens by The Lunatics was held from 20 to 22 June 2008 as part of the Singapore Arts Festival. The Singapore Dragon Boat Festival was held from 28 to 29 June 2008.