Our Memories of Katong Park

Our Memories of Katong Park

Above: Katong Park Photo Source: Unknown

Syed Sagoff: I believe this was Katong Park off Meyer Road. There was an enclosed area for swimmers. I remembered going there a couple of times when I was in Primary School. Changi was still the favourite place for seaside picnics.

Roland: I heard Katong Park was a lovers park at night.

Above: Katong Park Merry Go Around 1950s

Source: Remember Singapore website

Kok Keong: This was aniconic merry-go-round in Katong Park

Syed Sagoff: It was after taking a ride on this thing that I know I cannot be a fighter pilot

Above: Old photo of Fort Tanjong Katong 

Source: Fort Tanjong Katong, Wikipedia

Short Description: From 1879 to 1901, Fort Tanjong Katong stood on the eastern side of Singapore, adjacent to Katong Beach on what is now Meyer Road and Fort Road. It lent its name to Fort Road, which led to the base of the fort.

Source: Fort Tanjong Katong, Singapore Infopedia

Moh Teck: I did not know Katong park was the site of a fort

Chin Kong: Fort Road is named after the Fort

Ab Razak: Yes, I grew up near Katong Park since Primary 1. We stayed in the 1-room flat at Jalan Batu and later moved to a 2-room flat at Kampong Arang when I was in Pre-University. I enjoyed playing at the playground at Katong Park and swam in the sea there and almost got drown once if not for my father rushing into the water to save me. Devinder Ohri lives in a huge bungalow in Fort Road. I got a ride from him to school sometimes. Good old days!

Photo: Dove playground, Dakota Crescent

Source: “Dakota Crescent to be redeveloped for public housing”, written by Ng Hui Wen published 11 December 2017, The Straits Time

Kok Keong: I lived in Dakota Crescent which is less than 2 km from my home. i used to go Katong Park with my siblings, neighbours and aunts too. When I was older (after Primary 3) I cycled there with the neighbourhood boys occasionally. Fort Road used to have many corporate bungalows (right next to the beach). Well Colin still lived at the end of Tanjong Rhu Road now. my father lived in Jalan Batu.

Katong Park is less than 2km from Dakota Crescent. I avoided going to Tanjong Rhu area those days due to the infamy of the gangsters operating in Tanjong Rhu. They were protective of their turf.