There was much fanfare as the last of the zone remodelling was officially opened on East Coast Park on March 28, 2021. It has been long awaited and much anticipated by many in Singapore. Coastal PlayGrove - as the former "Big Splash" is now known, has thrown up mixed reviews in the East Coast Facebook group, Expats In The East and so I thought I'd check it out.
Having had a walk around, I am sure it will be a hit for families with young kids. The site is geared to children under 13 years old: it has the tallest slides in an outdoor park on the island, open paddling areas, a huge sandpit, exploring areas and even an Outdoor Classroom. The Vertical Climbing area made of netting and more will be a challenge for the adventurous! Needless to say, there is much to climb on and explore*.
But, if you were hoping for somewhere like "Playground @ Big Splash" as it was between 2008 and 2016, you will be somewhat disappointed. This new development is geared around fast food - not seaside dining. Anchor tenants are Burger King and Old Town White Coffee with a small 'food court' called "Food Splash" - currently home to four companies: Luv Coffee, Prata Wala, Kimchi Box and Picotin Express offering small menus with speed is the key behind them all.
There is no beachside bar to while away the weekend afternoons whilst your kids enjoy the slide and sandpit. There is no hip and happening place to hang out with your friends of an evening whilst sinking a beer or a cocktail or two. There is possibly no reason to head here if you have no kids - except maybe to say you've "been there, done that".
So what are the upsides to this new installation at Area B? It is beautifully landscaped and in keeping with the newer areas such as the Cyclist Park and Raintree Grove, with lots of new trees and shade that will come as these mature. It is a good end point for those living in the Amber/Meyer area with the promise of an ice cream and a play to those kids that are waining after a long walk or ride along the parkway.
It offers an alternative to the play area at Marine Cove - but I think it will be just as busy. It has a wonderful open grass area too, giving space for picnics and a kick around. Also, there are a couple of toilet areas - and one has a water fountain for filling up your water bottles and a foot wash - because we all know kids who hate the sand between their toes!
Bizarrely, there is one tenant on Level 2 that hasn't yet opened, and whilst I wish them good luck in their venture, I cannot see the attraction of the Coastal PlayGrove as their location. Once Upon A Time by the Tiara Society will be opening sometime in April 2021. An indoor playground full of all things 'princess'. I have tried to write something positive about this prospect ... but I think I'll just say "No Comment" and leave it at that.
In summary, I think it would be safe to remind you that there is no convenience store here but you will be able to grab fast food take away to enjoy whilst your little ones are off exploring the new, and therefore fabulous, play areas. Take a towel because they will want to paddle!
If you don't have kids, you might find that there simply isn't enough to get you to go there. As always, the views expressed here are mine and mine alone.
*The vertical climbing area is closed on Mondays, but the slides are open every day.
For more info, visit https://go.gov.sg/coastal-playgrove
