Save the playground

It's raining now. Usually, I would take consolation that I would be able to find snails with Cayen the next morning when we walked in to school. However, very soon, this will be no more, unless I can successfully petition against the demolition of the green space that's making way for the driveway. 

Actually we got notice of the demolition last week. However, it didn't sink in until I saw them tear them the playground last Friday and put up the hoarding today morning. 

Hence, I immediately wrote to the principal and also informed some of the mothers.

"Understand that you are constructing a driveway and have seen the demolition of the playground so far. Actually, I was wondering if we can still preserve the central patch of grass patch since a driveway will still serve the purpose as long as one car can go through and we don't really need so much space. 

Reason for asking is because I have seen many plants and insects flourish in that space and if we get rid of the patch of land, they will all lose their homes. If we can at least preserve some land , at least the existing papaya & other trees and whatever insects like snails can migrate over to the patch. 

While convenience is appreciated , it's very rare for any schools or much of Singapore to have a little piece of paradise like what you have. I hope we can preserve as much of it as possible . This will be a great teaching moment for our kids as well , where development can be sustainable. Hope you can consider. Thanks!"

Unfortunately, by end of day, I heard that all the existing trees (including a papaya tree that always bears fruit) that we were so fond of were already all removed. Felt very sad but don't wanna give up yet. 

I have just drafted an online petition to save whatever remains. Hope all is not lost. 

You may wonder why I am going to this extent. Here's 5 reasons why: 

1. Save the trees, the insects and the ecosystem that exist there. Have a patch where they can migrate to. 

2. Demonstrate to our children that we can have sustainable development if we plan or design properly

3. Our children can learn how to care for the environment if they have a bit of green area. 

4. Our children can have enough space for sand play. 

5. It can be a win‐win. A driveway can still be built , but we don't need so much space.‐ the width of two cars should suffice. Most of the space can be preserved . 

Hopefully, they can find a better design alternative that is also environmentally sustainable , and also safe for the kids.