A slew of recent community-based activities in Yuhua has been welcomed by the residents as physical activities resume in light of the easing of safe management measures. These programmes included a mango harvesting event, an exhibition on the upcoming Sport-in-Precinct as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and a Yuhua Green Plan Workshop, all of which brought the residents together to once again freely participate in community events.
Launch Of The Sport-in-Precinct Exhibition
Continuing with its effort to bring better facilities to the residents, Jurong-Clementi Town Council (JRTC) recently announced a new Sport-in-Precinct (SIP) project in Yuhua. Sited on a big field opposite Blk 212 and next to Masjid Al-Mukminin, the project is currently in the early stages of preparation with a consultant having been appointed to design the layout of the facility.
The project, funded by ActiveSG and JRTC, will feature a multi-purpose hall; petanque, badminton, futsal, and basketball courts; children’s playground; running track; and static fitness equipment as well as fitness equipment for senior citizens. Such multi-generational amenities throughout Jurong-Clementi town will make it more convenient for those living nearby to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Noteworthy is the fact that the facility also strives to align with JRTC’s long-term sustainable goals by using recycled materials such as rubber and wood.
The SIP will benefit residents in the nearby areas including Zones 2, 3, 4 and 7. The project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2024.
Yuhua Green Plan Workshop
In alignment with the SG Green Plan 2030, a Green Plan Workshop was organised by Jurong-Clementi Town Council in Yuhua to explore new sustainability initiatives in the neighbourhood.
The discussion was split into four overarching categories based on the four pillars of the SG Green Plan 2030 – City in Nature, Sustainable Living, Energy Reset, and a Resilient Future. Yuhua residents contributed to the discussion with fresh ideas pertaining to waste management, planting more trees, and encouraging recycling and upcycling.
The two-hour-long workshop was attended by 80 participants, who came from a wide range of backgrounds – from residents, grassroots leaders, schools, childcare, hawker association, religious organisations and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. The participants were then divided into four groups to brainstorm on the four pillars of the SG Green Plan 2030 and how to implement them in their neighbourhood.
The objective of the event is to get people from all walks of life to participate in the discourse on sustainable living.
Seeing the overwhelming response, there are plans to organise it thrice a year. It proved to be a good idea to mix participants from different backgrounds. The event was described as “a living plan which will evolve as Yuhua works with residents and partners from all sectors to co-create sustainable practices”.
Some of the ongoing initiatives in Yuhua, following the announcement of the SG Green Plan 2030, include tree planting days to bring more greenery to society; paper recycling and installation of reverse vending machines to recycle used plastic bottles and aluminium cans; Repair Kopitiam, a community initiative that enables residents to repair simple broken items and prolong their lifespan; textbook sharing; and MRT seat upcycling by using them in public spaces.
Mango Harvesting
The event is a popular one among the residents and has been running for the past nine years, although its long-running streak was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Organised by the Yuhua grassroots organisations and the Jurong-Clementi Town Council, the event first started when residents came upon rows of mango trees along Boon Lay Way. The mangoes on these trees would either fall on the ground and get damaged or get consumed by birds.
In the past nine years, residents have gathered to partake in the community mango harvesting festival. Over 300 residents came along, many with their families including children who enjoyed the experience. Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, and Member of Parliament, Yuhua SMC joined the residents in the fun event.
Post the harvesting activity, all the participants gathered at the community club to enjoy their labour of love in the form of mango salad served with some other fruits. Residents also took home some of the harvested bounties to share with their family members.