History
Big Splash was built in 1977 by Singapore Aquatic Sports Pte Ltd (owned by Goldhill Properties) on a 2.8-hectare site of the reclaimed land in the new East Coast Park. It was a project of the Parks and Recreation Department of the Ministry of National Development, and built at the cost of S$6 million.
The waterpark featured an 85-metre long water slide, said at the time to be the longest and highest in the world. There was several other pools, including a wave-pool and a 200 m long flow-pool, as well as facilities such as an open-air theatre, a restaurant and food kiosks, and an arcade.[1]
The park opened on 23 July 1977 at 8 a.m. All 5 of the pools in the complex were filled with sea water and had a sand bottom to create the impression of a beach. The largest pool (at the base of the 85-metre slide) was reported to be able to accommodate 1,380 people. Admission fees were $1.50 for adults and $1.00 for children for the first two hours on weekdays, with a subsequent fee of $0.50 for every subsequent two hours; on weekends the admission fees were $2.00 for adults and $1.50 for children for the first two hours and $1 and $0.50 respectively for every subsequent two hours.[1] The air-conditioned restaurant was said to have pioneered the 'tank to table' concept of serving seafood.[2]
From 1986 until at least 2002, Big Splash was owned by Potential Investments Pte Ltd.[2]
Although Big Splash was initially very popular, over the decades it declined and became less attractive. In 2002, it was closed for a four-month facelift, reopening with new facilities such as a dive school and a bicycle kiosk.[2] In 2006 it closed for major redevelopment. When it reopened as Playground @ Big Splash in March 2008, the water slides were gone and the entire compound had been redeveloped into a dining and lifestyle destination.[3] It was home to a range of dining options, from fast food outlets and casual cafes to upmarket restaurants and bars, as well as an inline skating school, mini-golf course, gym and other amenities.[4]
Source Wikipedia
