Prevent Demolition of Iconic Parkour Spot: Save Bedok Maze

Bedok Maze is an iconic spot known internationally in the Parkour community. The spot consists of many brick walls with a variety of heights, spread over the wide area. It is also conveniently located at a place where Parkour practitioners can train without obstructing the path of pedestrians. This design and set-up makes it a perfect place to train Parkour, for both beginner or advanced practitioners alike.

As such, many international practitioners have made their way down to Singapore simply to visit this area, even rushing down from the airport during stopovers. In a recently published book called "The Parkour Roadmap", Bedok Maze is even featured as one of the more iconic spots for Parkour.

Most importantly, this spot is where communities come together. In the mornings the elderly walk through for some early exercise. The midday sees teenage parkour practitioners getting active and sharing their love of movement together, and in the late afternoon, the children come to play. The demolition of Bedok Maze will be grieved by many.

What is Parkour?
Parkour is a training discipline using movements to get from one point to another, through a complex environment, in the most efficient manner possible. Movements include jumping, vaulting, climbing and rolling.
Parkour in Singapore (and the world) is still young and undergoing development.

Currently, we are doing our best to educate and be known as a sport that encourages community, altruism, resilience, wellness, and expression; contrary to the negative perceptions that people may have of Parkour, such as recklessness, trespassing and vandalism. Some of Parkour's core values are 'To be, and to last', 'Be strong to be useful', 'Leave no trace', and 'Start together, finish together', The benefits of Parkour are numerous, such as the improvement in mental and physical wellbeing, building character, as well as providing a healthy outlet for creativity and energy. Also, it is an activity which is suitable for all ages, gender, class and race - which promotes social inclusion.

Parkour is getting recognised by government bodies, with UK officially recognising it as a sport and Denmark having built over a hundred parkour parks across its cities. Recently, the Parkour Singapore association has also been established in Singapore to improve the scene. We have been complying with the strict legislation in Singapore, even organising an event in partnership with certain government organisations, as well as volunteering performers for the National Day Parade 2017.

The news of the demolition plans is of huge shock to us and however slim the chances may be, we are pleading for the town council to review its decision.