“What could NSmen and their families possibly do for recreation?” SAFRA Punggol stands ready to answer. It is more than just a building. It is a hub of activity. SAFRA Punggol is designed to enhance camaraderie. It also seeks to boost morale among National Servicemen and their families.
SAFRA began in 1972. Its original name was the Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association. The aim was simple. It was to provide servicemen relaxation from their hectic lives.
SAFRA Punggol is one of seven SAFRA clubhouses across Singapore. You can find SAFRA clubhouses at Mount Faber, Jurong, Tampines, Toa Payoh, Yishun and Choa Chu Kang.
The Punggol clubhouse broke ground on June 18. The five-story complex cost S$57.3 million. It opened in early 2016. The club houses a mix of F&B outlets, recreational facilities, and fitness gyms.
One of its highlights is Singapore’s first indoor water playground. It is themed “The Deep Sea.” This 23,000 square foot facility caters to NSmen with children. SAFRA Punggol also includes a childcare center.
SAFRA Punggol especially caters to the lifestyle needs of Punggol families. Many are young families with children. Around 70,000 NSmen live in northeastern Singapore.
SAFRA Punggol fronts the Punggol waterway. It is the first SAFRA clubhouse with a cycling and rollerblading kiosk. Patrons can return rental bicycles and rollerblades at any kiosk along the Park Connector Network. SAFRA Punggol sits at 9 Sentul Crescent. It is a short walk from Punggol MRT station and Sam Kee LRT station.
The new clubhouse sits on a 1.45-hectare plot of land. It boasts a gross floor area of 19,995 sq m.
SAFRA Punggol is the first SAFRA club to win the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Platinum Award. This award recognizes energy and water efficiency. It also considers environmental protection and green features. The clubhouse features a naturally ventilated atrium and corridors. Full LED lighting is used throughout. A solar-powered system also helps. Tenants must use energy-efficient air conditioning. They also must adopt recycling strategies. These features save about $30,000 per month in utilities.
Splash@Kids Amaze is a mega three-story facility. It has eight play decks. Five slides and a themed splash pad offer endless fun. Party rooms connect to the playground.