
New River Crab Playground Opens in Toa Payoh with Otter-Inspired Fun
Tucked within Toa Payoh N1 Neighbourhood Park, a vibrant new play space is turning heads—meet the River Crab Playground, a striking new community-built playground that celebrates both nature and neighbourhood spirit.
A Fresh Landmark in Toa Payoh
Officially opened with much fanfare, it now stands proudly at 9 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh, marking a fresh chapter in the estate’s transformation under HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme.

Toa Payoh Town (Photo: HDB)
Designed by the Community, For the Community
What sets this playground apart isn’t just its colourful features or creative layout—it’s the heart behind it. Over 2,000 residents, students, and stakeholders from Toa Payoh came together to co-create this space, from ideation to design. The result? A truly communal effort that blends play with purpose.
Even Minister for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee, joined around 100 residents and students to put the finishing touches on the project. “The enhancements to the park, including the distinctive River Crab Playground, showcase how the community can come together to shape their neighbourhood,” he said, highlighting the deeper connections formed through shared spaces like this.
Discover Toa Payoh's newest playground – the River Crab Playground, designed and built by the community! 🦀✨ Inspired by Singapore's native freshwater crab, this playground caters to children of all ages with its unique climbing structures and winding slides. The playground flooring also features a vibrant otter-themed design by Tee Jia Le from First Toa Payoh Primary School! 🦦 🎨 Visit this #HDBeautiful playground at Toa Payoh N1 Neighbourhood Park!
Posted by Housing & Development Board on Wednesday, April 9, 2025
A Tribute to Local Nature & Creativity
Inspired by Singapore’s native freshwater crab, the playground features a central crab-shaped climbing structure with slides, nets, and ropes to spark active fun. But it’s not just about climbing—look down and you’ll spot a whimsical otter-themed floor mural, designed by Tee Jia Le, a student from First Toa Payoh Primary School. It’s a delightful nod to local wildlife that adds personality and colour to the play zone.
Built to Inspire, Designed to Last
Like Canberra’s Adventure Playground before it, the River Crab Playground was created with longevity and local relevance in mind. It’s more than a recreational spot—it’s a statement of identity for the community. With its thoughtful integration into the rejuvenated park surroundings, it joins the iconic Dragon Playground as a new signature spot in Toa Payoh’s evolving landscape.

Toa Payoh Dragon Playground (Photo: Roots.sg)
Visit the River Crab Playground
With its modern play features, inclusive design, and vibrant setting, the River Crab Playground is open daily for families to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community builds not just for itself—but with itself.
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River Crab Playground
- Location: Toa Payoh N1 Neighbourhood Park, 9 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh