Katong Park

Built in the 1930s above the buried remains of Fort Tanjong Katong, it was one of Singapore’s oldest parks with the first public bathing pagar (sea swimming enclosure) and was highly popular with families during the weekends.

It was built in 1879 to as part of a series of defensive batteries and fortifications along the southern coast of Singapore to defend against Russian invaders.

One of the gun turrets was scooped out and turned into a toddler’s sandpit and there had been plans to outline the top of the walls but it was not carried out.

[4] The walls were rediscovered again in 2001 by Mr Jack Sim,[2] a Katong resident and founder of the World Toilet Organization.

[6] In the 1920s, there was an influx of Chinese and Indian immigrants to the Katong area due to the rapid growth of central Singapore.

[1] During the Japanese Occupation, mechanical testing bays were constructed to service aircraft engines from Kallang Airfield, overseen by Yasuda Butai.

The sea carnival was held annually in conjunction with Police Week and included activities such as boat races, night markets and wayang performances.

The concert were held at multiple locations throughout Singapore with performances by different ethnic groups, attracting large crowds.

Eventually, the construction of the East Coast Parkway (ECP) expressway and extension of Fort Road to the Tanjong Rhu Flyover led to the demolition of many structures in the park.

[6] Heritage boards depicting the history of site from the colonial era all the way to the modern day have been set up.

In 2004, the park received public attention as a team of archaeologists began excavation of the buried fort.

[16] Sculptures depicting the British and Indian Sikh guard stand in the park and were donated by Mr Jack Sim.