In the past, the Yan Kit Swimming Complex drew in people who wanted to have a leisurely swim or have fun in the water. Nowadays, in its place is the Yan Kit Playfield and it is still attracting those who want to enjoy some recreation or get active, and kids with its playground too.
Former Yan Kit Swimming Complex
Yan Kit Playfield occupies the site of the Yan Kit public swimming pool, the second public swimming facility in Singapore. The swimming complex first opened its doors in 1953 and welcomed swimmers up till 2001.
It has a distinctive Art Deco architectural style and is surrounded by tall residential blocks, including Pinnacle @ Duxton.
Dwindling attendance led to its closure as a swimming pool. After attempts to get it privatised failed, it was given new life as a leisure and recreational space, Yan Kit Playfield in 2019.
Yan Kit Playfield: Community Sports Facility
The C-shaped Art Deco building still stands. Step through its entranceway and, in place of a swimming pool, there are now playing fields. These were created by filling up the complex’s former pools.
The community sports facility has space for table tennis as well as a green for lawn bowls.
At the other end of Yan Kit Playfield, there is a 3-in-1 multipurpose court for games such as basketball, netball and volleyball.
3-generation fitness corners around Yan Kit Playfield cater to different ages.
These areas are linked up by a jogging path.
Yan Kit Playfield Playground
The Yan Kit Playfield playground is located next to the multipurpose court. The main highlight of the playground is an elevated net tunnel suspended between two ends. Climbing equipment at both ends allow kids to reach the net tunnel at the green trimmed playground.
A green hammock also hang beneath one of the platforms. There are also a set of parallel bar for climbing or sliding down on.
Completing the Yan Kit Playfield playground is a mini merry go round.
Yan Kit Playfield brings new life to a historic site and preserves it for the next generation. It can be found at 17 Yan Kit Road, close to Duxton Plain Park.
