A haven of peace. That’s Coney Island. Step onto this island and feel the calm. It wasn’t always this way. Once known as Pulau Serangoon Coney Island has a rich past. In the 1930s and 40s brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par owned it. They were famous for Tiger Balm. They even built a bungalow a 600-square-meter beach villa that still stands.
Imagine. In 1950 a businessman bought Coney Island. His dream a resort like Coney Island in New York. Singapore Coney Island opened in 1951. It was advertised as Singapore’s first island health resort. A dance hall a restaurant and seaside accommodation. Sadly the dream was short-lived. Just three years later the island was for sale again.
Then the government took over in 1972. Land reclamation started in 1975. The island’s size grew from 32 hectares to 62 hectares. Plans for a recreational area chalets a beach and a marina were made. But Coney Island remained largely undeveloped for years. The smell from nearby pig farms made it less appealing.
In the 1990s more reclamation expanded Coney Island. A 50-hectare park was part of the Punggol New Town development plan. But there was opposition. People worried about losing the natural feel of the island.
Finally Coney Island Park opened in 2015. Two bridges connect it to the mainland. A 2km beach and a 2.4 km path are now open to the public. The park is home to various habitats. Coastal forests grasslands and mangroves thrive here. A Brahman cow even lived there for a while becoming a local celebrity before sadly passing away.
Today Coney Island offers a tranquil escape. Walk along the beach. Cycle the paths. Explore the nature trails. Remember this peaceful island’s journey from a resort dream to a vibrant nature park. It’s a story of transformation resilience and the enduring beauty of nature. Enjoy the serenity of Coney Island.