This is a set of HDB playground prototypes from Mr Khor Ean Ghee. These playground prototypes are his personal copies. Mr Khor (b. 1934) is the designer of the first playgrounds found at HDB estates such as the iconic dragon and pelican playgrounds. Mr Khor worked in HDB from 1969 till 1983. When Mr Khor was tasked to design playgrounds for HDB estates, the interior designer had no training in playground designs but took inspiration from our local identity. HDB built many of these locally-designed playgrounds in the 1970s and 1980s before it started to import modular playgrounds from overseas suppliers in the 1990s. Today, many of the locally-designed playgrounds have been demolished. These HDB playgrounds are fondly remembered by many Singaporeans who spent their childhood days at the playgrounds and they play a significant role in our collective memory. These playgrounds also marked a time when HDB new towns were formed with the provision of many facilities within the residents’ reach.
