Videos on Macritchie Reservoir







Macritchie Reservoir

History
MacRitchie Reservoir was constructed in 1867, by a donation of S$13,000 by philanthropist Tan Kim Seng, as the first impounding reservoir in Singapore. It resulted from an increase demand for water in the mid-19th century, which grew beyond the capacity of ox-drawn water carts. In 1891, the reservoir was extended and the enlarged Impounding Reservoir was renamed as Thomson Road Reservoir in 1907. Then, in honour of the Municipal Engineer, James MacRitchie, who designed and built the reservoir, it was renamed again as MacRitchie Reservoir.
The forest around the area was protected from agricultural activities so as to service the reservoir as a water catchment reserve. Likewise, the forests surrounding Peirce Reservoir and Seletar Reservoir were also protected for the same purpose.

Attractions

The park area is approximately 12 hectares and it was opened in 1967. It has become a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts, especially joggers. It is also popular amongst families as a park for morning and evening walks or just a stroll along the water's edge.

Serving as a gateway to the nature reserves, MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a favourite venue for nature lovers. It is one of the four reservoir that bound the nature reserves. Other reservoir includes Lower Peirce Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir. The nature reserves act as water catchment for the reservoirs, in addition, the nature reserves also ensure the quality of water in the reservoirs. Free guided tours are conducted every month to introuduce nature to the public.

The facilities developed under Phase 1 ABC Waters Project were officially opened on 25th July 2009. The new facilities includes a new amenities centre which is equipped with toilets with showering facilities, lockers, drinking fountains and a food kiosk. Beside the amenities centre, the Reservoir deck is an ideal venue for warm ups and holding events like cross country. In the reservoir deck, there is a landscaped pond that is in the shape of MacRitchie reservoir and also an annoucement stage.The new two-storey green carpark has a capacity of 300 parking lots. The upper deck of the carpark collects rainwater and channels them into a bioswale. Bioswales are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water.

As a popular venue for water activities like kayaking and canoeing, the new facilities from the phase 1 development also include an improved pontoon for kayakers to launch their kayaks.

Pictures of Macritchie Reservoir

Reflection the MacRitchie Trip
Personally, I feel that the trip to Macritchie Reservoir has definitely benefited us all. It was an eye opener for me and my friends! Nonetheless, we got to learn many stuff such as the different species of animals living inside Macritchie Reservoir Park itself. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

Why conserve forests?
Why do we conserve forests even when we are short of space?

In Singapore, we have scarce land, and hence have limited land resource.
However, we emphasize on greenery, such as forests and parks.

Why is this so?

This is because forests/parks are essential and contributes to the living quality of us, humans.
Trees not only beautify our living environment, but also helps :

-To freshen the air
Improve air quality

-To prevent soil erosion
Roots hold on to soil

-To prevent global warming
Produce oxygen to replace carbon dioxide

-To prevent extinction of the living thing
Takes on a role as a food producer