Closure of Public Recreational Facilities in HDB Estates Due to Complaints

Mr Alex Yam Ziming asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many public recreational facilities in HDB estates have been closed due to complaints in the past three years; (b) how is Ministry engaging the community to promote a more considerate use of shared recreational spaces; and (c) what measures are there to address persistent disruptive behaviour by inconsiderate users as well as unreasonable demands by complainants.

Common spaces in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates, including recreational facilities like seating areas, game courts and pavilions, are managed and maintained by the Town Councils (TCs). In the past three years, there have been 27 instances in which TCs have temporarily closed recreational facilities or restricted their opening hours due to feedback from residents on disamenities such as noise nuisance.

When TCs encounter persistent disruptive behaviour by inconsiderate users of recreational facilities, TCs would typically put up advisories at the facilities to educate these users. If the misuse persists, TCs would seek the assistance of grassroots leaders to jointly advise these users. As a last resort, TCs may restrict the use of the facilities at specific hours, by adjusting the timing of the lighting at the facilities or locking up the facilities at night. TCs may also seek the assistance of the Singapore Police Force and other relevant Government agencies such as the National Parks Board and National Environment Agency, if inconsiderate users persist with their disruptive behaviour.

To encourage considerate use of common spaces, TCs have put up posters and published educational content on social media platforms and Digital Display Panels. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the People’s Association, the Singapore Kindness Movement, HDB and the Municipal Services Office also promote neighbourliness through various community events, campaigns and outreach.

We encourage all members of the public to be considerate when using shared facilities in our estates. Our shared public spaces play a pivotal role in bringing residents from all walks of life together, and thus, help to build closer neighbourly ties. We should be mindful that there are different needs from various groups in our community. We need to adopt a give-and-take spirit and be willing to accommodate the needs of others, to build a more harmonious and inclusive community.