Quiet old dame of a park. That’s how some describe Mount Emily Park. It offers serenity amidst the bustling city. Today we will explore this green space together.
Mount Emily Park sits on an elevation. This isolates it from the noise of vehicular movements. Even though it is within the Central Business District. The park is surrounded by private housing. St Margaret Primary School and the Istana grounds also border it.
Once known as Bukit Rawa, Mount Emily Park holds a rich history. It was a popular retreat in the early 1900s. People enjoyed band performances in the afternoon. Parents and children played together.
Look closely at the entrance shelter. You will see an emblem embedded in the rock wall. This coat of arms was granted to the Municipal Commission in 1948. The colours are still largely intact.
Mount Emily Park has another interesting claim to fame. It was home to Singapore’s first public swimming pool. The pool opened in 1931. It was converted from a service reservoir. The reservoir was built in 1878. It became redundant after the Fort Canning reservoir opened in 1929.
The Mount Emily swimming pool was extremely popular. In the mid-1930s, it saw 8000 visitors a month. There were scheduled bathing periods. This ensured fair access for everyone. The pool used chlorination and filtration. Fresh water was continuously pumped in to keep the water clean.
During the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese used the pool. They changed the pool to seawater from 1942 to 1945. After the war, the pool was used by Indian servicemen. It was then handed back to the municipal commissioners.
The Mount Emily swimming pool closed in December 1981. It was later demolished. The site was transformed into an extension of Mount Emily Park.
Today, Mount Emily Park boasts mature trees and lush greenery. The park has multiple tiers. It can be accessed from Upper Wilkie Road and Mount Emily Road.
Among the trees is a Yellow Flame heritage tree. It is estimated to be more than 70 years old. Around Mount Emily Park, you can spot former mansions. They are reminders of the wealthy residents who once lived here.
Kids will be happy to find a playground. It features a sandpit, a play structure and swings. The Mount Emily Park has evolved over the years.
Before we go, take a moment to appreciate the park’s peaceful atmosphere. Remember its history as a retreat and a swimming pool. Mount Emily Park continues to be a place of interest.