New Community Tower brings rock climbing to Singaporeans

Contributed by Christopher Beh/People’s Association

Climbers will now have something new to rave about, thanks to the newly launched Community Tower, located at People's Association (PA) Water-Venture (Pasir Ris). This 13-metre outdoor climbing structure is the first of its kind in the North East district.

The Community Tower was built to cater the adventure sports of abseiling and sport climbing to enable Water-Venture to better engage the youth, working adults and the community in the heartlands.

On Sunday, 7 March 2010, about 2,500 people were present to witness the official opening of the tower by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. This event was also held in conjunction with the Pasir Ris - Punggol GRC Family Day.

The highlight of the day was a Tag Team Speed Climbing Competition where teams of two were required to work together to cover the climbing route in the shortest time possible. Among the participants was Ms Tan Li Bin, 29, a bank officer with Credit Suisse.

“I found this to be a good team event, and thus persuaded my friends to come along to take part," she said.

Another activity that brought much entertainment was the Sand Castle Building Competition. With the theme "Building Families - Resort City", the competition involved 48 families from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC building 48 sand castles. The result was a spectacular structure that symbolised the vision for the GRC as a waterfront city.

Mr Anthony Tan, organising chairman for the Pasir Ris - Punggol Family Day said that the Community Tower would encourage more youths to bring their family members to enjoy the different activities there.

Already, the Community Tower has struck a chord with more than one enthusiast.

Mr Abdul Halim, a teacher in-charge of the outdoor adventure club at Greendale Secondary school said: "Basically we bring the kids here to build up their resilience. The community wall is interesting and challenging enough for the kids to get them out of their comfort zone!"

The Community Tower is open to the public at an entry fee of $5 for members and $15 for non-members, and includes equipment. They can also take up three-hour climbing and abseiling orientation programmes for $15-$25. Those who wish to improve their skills further can sign up for the Sports Climbing Course Level 1, 2 or the Abseiling proficiency 1, 2. Prices start from $38 for members and $48 for non-members. Corporate rental is also available for organisations at a base price of $350 per half-day per activity.

For more information, visit www.water-venture.org.sg