were announced by the government. By August 1971, four blocks of buildings containing dining establishments were built, and work on an beach resort with fountains, sanitation facilities and restrooms was being carried out. A $600,000, development near Changi Point, consisting of a 1000-seat restaurant, a coffeeshop, food stalls and 16 chalets, was completed by January 1972, and Aloha Rhu, a $250,000, development with a Polynesian theme, was opened by Chinese New Year that year. In 1975, two-thirds of the beach was acquired by the government for the construction of a second runway as part of the development of Changi Airport. With the closure of a large part of the beach, the beach lost its popularity among beachgoers. In November 1984, as part of plans to rejuvenate Changi Point, a portion of the beach was turned into a special park for children with eight playgrounds, sand pits, and park furniture. Constructed at a cost of $73,000, the facilities within the park were completed in May 1985. Between August 1987 and March 1988, the amenities at the park were improved. The 2000s In April 2001, the park was given a $4 million upgrade, which included new shelters and other facilities, intended to give the park a rustic charm. Present Changi Beach Park is popular among locals as a hangout for overnight family picnics, especially on weekends. Some individuals enjoy fishing, watching landing airplanes, jogging and watching the sunrise or sunset here. Sunrise can be viewed from the SAF Changi Ferry Terminal on the eastern end of the park and sunsets can be viewed from Changi Point. Barbecue parties, camping and watersports are some common activities. In addition, food lovers visit Changi Beach for seafood at the nearby The Seagrill, or for different food options at Changi Village. Seahorse Monitoring Project Since May 2009, the National Biodiversity Centre, together with volunteers from National Parks Board and nature groups such as Wild Singapore and TeamSeaGrass, initiated a project to monitor identified populations of Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) and Pipefish (Syngnathoides biaculeatus) in several locations including Changi Beach for conservation management purposes. The data gathered will help to estimate the population size, growth rate of individuals and track their movements in their natural habitats. See also Changi Changi Boardwalk Changi Village Sook Ching List of parks in Singapore References External links National Parks Board, Singapore Changi Beach Park B Parks in Singapore