Rifle Range Nature Park in Singapore has been transformed from an abandoned quarry site to a thriving, public, biodiversity sanctuary. The 67-hectare park, located near the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve not only restores natural forest and wetland habitats, promotes local biodiversity, and offers recreational spaces for the local community.
Historically, Rifle Range Nature Park was the site of the former Sin Seng Quarry. The abandoned land quickly became degraded with poor soil conditions and overgrown vegetation. Recognizing the potential for restoration, a comprehensive nine-month biodiversity benchmark study was conducted to understand the existing ecological conditions, identifying areas of conservation. This foundational study guided the park’s design and development, shaping a restoration strategy aimed at enhancing and protecting the flora and fauna.
One significant objective for this project was the restoration of natural habitats that would support the native wildlife. Planting strategies were implemented to rehabilitate the soil with local plant species in order to provide a safe and thriving environment for native animals, and to create a transition zone between the park and the adjacent Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Rifle Range Nature Park features infrastructure that mitigates the risks posed by urban development. The park’s design includes safe wildlife crossings, such as culverts, aerial rope bridges, and nest boxes, facilitating safe movement for animals between the park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, while also enabling visitors to observe animal life up close in their natural habitat.
Water management is a key element in the park’s transformation. A freshwater wetland was created from the backfilled quarry, providing an ideal habitat for endangered species. Streams were widened and fortified to prevent erosion, creating a stable environment for aquatic life. Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) elements, including swales and rain gardens, were incorporated to cleanse and channel rainwater, providing a sustainable irrigation system that supports the park’s vegetation and wildlife.
Rifle Range Nature Park also offers a unique recreational experience that caters to a wide range of visitors. Featuring 7 kilometers of nature trails and boardwalks, the park leads visitors through a variety of landscapes, from dense forested areas to scenic wetlands. Designed to promote physical activity and mental well-being, the park accommodates everyone, from adventure seekers to those with mobility impairments. A notable feature within the park is the Colugo Deck, a viewing platform overlooking the quarry’s cliff face. Within the park also features the Glider’s Boardwalk, which serves as an educational trail, with informational signage that reveals the park’s history and ecological importance. Another historical highlight is Hindhede Link, which preserves remnants of the Kampung settlements that once occupied the area, offering visitors a glimpse into Singapore’s past. Additionally, the Rambai Boardwalk connects the park entrance to the Quarry Precinct, preserving the park’s history while also providing a safe and immersive way for visitors to enjoy the park’s scenery.
Landscape Architecture: Henning Larsen
Lead Architect: Architects 61
Year completed: 2022
Photo credits: Finbarr Fallon
