Tanah Merah’s Unexpected Live‑Action Festival
Picture this: A humble semi‑detached house on Jalan Chempaka Kuning has turned into a one‑person wildlife extravaganza. The owner, Mr Cheong Boo Wee, a 63‑year‑old retiree, spent over $150,000 transforming his back‑yard into a mini theme park.
The Quest for a Backyard Zoo
Three decades after moving in, Mr Cheong decided it was time to bring the neighborhood’s “no‑go” zone to life. He started by:
- Placing charming statues of animals and cartoon characters along the perimeter.
- Keeping a flock of more than 30 parrots that chatter louder than a gym class.
- Designating the courtyard as the “official” mini‑zoological garden.
The Unofficial Attraction
“I’ve been a fan of animals since I was a kid,” Mr Cheong chuckles. “When I settled in, I felt the urge to create a little pop‑up attraction for the neighborhood.”
Word of the park spread quickly. One day, a group of cyclists made a detour from Yishun just to join the outrageously colorful experience.
Tourists Never Satisfied?
Visitors often ring the doorbell just to ask a question; then, armed with a grin, Mr Cheong invites them in for a private tour. “You’ll see the parrots squawking, the statues giving you a nod, and the whole backyard bursting with IV‑oriented fun,” he says.
And Now It’s Time to Ruffle Some Feathers
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) stepped in and directed Mr Cheong to dismantle the mini ‘theme park’—likely for safety and visual reasons. With the green light now gone, he’s left with only a handful of balding beings than the 150k built‑up extravaganza.
Take home lesson: Maybe you’re tempted to build a tiny zoo in front of your house, especially if it’s packed with birds. But remember, the neighborhood police and LTA may have stricter rules than your friendly neighbours.
Meet the Man Who Turned a Quiet Suburb into a Tin‑Tin Zoo
When reporters dropped by Mr Cheong’s little house, the first thing that greeted them wasn’t a tidy lawn, but a parade of life‑size animal statues—rhinoroses, parrots, cows, tortoises, and a mischievous monkey, all set up right outside. Even the bored old neighbors got a giggle when they spotted Batman and Green Lantern chomping at the bit, drawn by the homeowner’s clever child‑friendly touch.
A Grand Plan & a Big‑Budget
It turns out Mr Cheong spent no less than $150 000 on this “mini theme park,” a partnership with the Community in Bloom programme launched by NParks in 2014. His goal? “I wanted to create a kampung spirit, and let everyone revel in it,” he told us, “so the neighbours nearby could gather every night to chat and catch up.”
The Roadblock
In May, the LTA claimed that the sculptures snagged the common pathways, so Mr Cheong had to move a handful back in. He obliged, but a follow‑up letter from the LTA demanded the removal of all remaining statues or a fine. Even though the house owner complied with the first request, the battle over the park raged on.
Resident Voices
- Mr Qiang Deming, 77, veteran of the neighbourhood: “The theme park makes the neighbourhood more interesting and it is an attractive sight.” He thinks scrapping it is outright wasteful, and many residents share his view.
- Mr Wang, 60: “The park has brought life to the neighbourhood. Every weekend the tourists pile in just to catch a glimpse.”
The clash between creative vision and communal rules illustrates how even the best intentions can collide with practical constraints. The story ends not with a tidy exit but with a turning point for the future of Mr Cheong’s quirky playground: will it be preserved as a landmark, or will it be trimmed away? Stay tuned, folks—these sidewalks may yet have a surprising makeover.
