Mention the word “Tekong” and many NS guys will think about their time in BMT. But did you know that there is a similarly named park on mainland Singapore? Mandai Tekong Park is located in Woodlands and it has a kampong-inspired playground along with other amenities.
Mandai Tekong Park in Woodlands: The Origins
Mandai Tekong Park is named after a village that was once found in the area.
Mandai Tekong Village once existed all the way from Mandai Road to parts of Woodlands South. It got its name from a nearby rubber estate that was owned by a company called Mandai Tekong.
The Mandai Tekong Village was a farming community with farmers growing vegetables and orchids. Fish such as carp and snakeheads were also farmed in ponds. The village was cleared in the 1980s to make way for the development of Woodlands Town.
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Mandai Tekong Park Playground
The kampong roots of the park’s namesake lives on in the Mandai Tekong Park playground.
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The play areas at Mandai Tekong Park pay homage to village life in the old days.
There is a kampong-inspired play structure where kids can play. Its exterior has been decorated to look like a wooden kampong hut with a rooster perched on the rooftop of one platform.
There are multiple ways for kids to climb up onto the playground structure.
A wobbly rope bridge connects parts of the playground while there are slides at different levels.
Look closely and you may even be able to spot a family of chicks painted on the interior of the kampong hut.
Other equipment here at this kampong play area include swings as well as a “Chicken Run” game where up to two persons can cycle away for a race.
More Kampong Play at the Mandai Tekong Park Playground
There is a second play structure at the Mandai Tekong Park Playground.
Also colourfully decorated, the playground structure features monkeys decorating its facade with coconut trees overtop.
There is also a hopscotch marking on the ground.
The teeter-totters have also been decorated with batik designs.
There is also a netted hammock for kids to hang out and enjoy the kampong life.
There are also play panels for younger kids as well as a pod that kids can climb inside, and a bright green rocker that can accommodate young kids.
Wooden Poles
Another play area for kids lies between the two kampong huts. These thick poles create a forest for kids to explore and play at. A pathway made of large stone boulders winds its way through the poles.
Colourfully painted tires provide another element of play at this play area.
What Else is at Mandai Tekong Park
Beyond the playground, Mandai Tekong Park has other facilities for the community to enjoy.
There is a basketball court and futsal court.
A fitness corner encourages people to get outdoors and keep fit.
There are also open green lawns for free play, as well as a 400-metre-long running track.
At a high point of the park, there is also a nature corner with trails, along with barbecue pits nearby.
Wandering around Mandai Tekong Park, you may also come across live chickens and roosters – a reminder that the kampong spirit can continue to live on in the community.
Where is Mandai Tekong Park?
Mandai Tekong Park is located along Woodlands Avenue 5 at Woodgrove.
If you are looking for more parks to explore in the Marsiling or Yew Tee areas, you may be interested to read about Marsiling Park, Admiralty Park, Stagmont Park and the Yew Tee Lifestyle Corridor.
