Big Splash (Singapore)

Big Splash (Singapore) is a former waterpark at East Coast Park in Singapore, which has been redeveloped into a dining and recreation area, now also known as Playground at Big Splash. The waterpark was built in 1977 and featured an 85-metre long water slide, said at the time to be the longest and highest in the world. There was several other pools, as well as facilities such as an open-air theatre, a restaurant and food kiosks, and an arcade.[1]

Although Big Splash was initially very popular, over the decades it declined and became less attractive. In 2002, it was closed for a four-month facelift, reopening with new facilities such as a dive school and a bicycle kiosk.[2] In 2006 it closed for major redevelopment. When it reopened in March 2008, the water slides were gone and the entire compound had been redeveloped into a dining and lifestyle destination.[3] It is now home to a range of dining options, from fast food outlets and casual cafes to upmarket restaurants and bars, as well as an inline skating school, mini-golf course, gym and other amenities.[4]

History

Big Splash was built in 1977 by Singapore Aquatic Sports Pte Ltd (owned by Goldhill Properties) on a 2.8-hectare site in the new East Coast Park. It was a project of the Parks and Recreation Department of the Ministry of National Development, and built at the cost of S$6 million. The site is located on reclaimed land.

The park opened on 23 July 1977 at 8 a.m. All the pools in the complex were filled with sea water and had a sand bottom to create the impression of a beach. The largest pool (at the base of the 85-metre slide) was reported to be able to accommodate 1,380 people. Admission fees were $1.50 for adults and $1.00 for children for the first two hours on weekdays, with a subsequent fee of $0.50 for every subsequent two hours; on weekends the admission fees were $2.00 for adults and $1.50 for children for the first two hours and $1 and $0.50 respectively for every subsequent two hours.[1] The air-conditioned restaurant was said to have pioneered the 'tank to table' concept of serving seafood.[2]

From 1986 until at least 2002, Big Splash was owned by Potential Investments Pte Ltd.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 Yeo, Joseph (17 July 1977). "$6 million splash..." The Straits Times. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Lee, Ching Wern (30 November 2002). "Big Splash 2". TODAY. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  3. ↑ Ansar, Asif (7 March 2008). "Remaking a big splash". TODAY. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  4. ↑ "Big Splash > About Us". The Seafood International Market & Restaurant Pte Ltd. Archived from the original on 27 July 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013.

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