Farrer Park Field is an open field managed by Sport Singapore in Kallang, Singapore. It was the location of Singapore's first race course, Serangoon Road Race Course, as well as where its first-ever aircraft landing took place in 1919. It is a significant location for Singapore's aviation, sporting and political histories.
Etymology
Farrer Park Field was named after Roland John Farrer, president of the former Singapore Municipal Commission. It received the name in 1935.
History
Area
Farrer Park Field used to occupy a much larger area than it is today, stretching as far north as Owen Road. At its greatest extent, the field extended across the present-day planning areas of Kallang and Rochor. The modern field, however, is wholly located within Kallang.
Serangoon Road Race Course was established in December 1842, making it the first race course in Singapore. Operated by the Singapore Sporting Club and named after the nearby Serangoon Road, horse races were held mostly during the weekends and targeted primarily at the European communities. On non-race days, the race course doubled as a golf course, grazing pasture and rifle range. On February 6, 1919, a grand fair was held at the Farrer Park Field as part of a series of celebrations for Singapore's centenary. The race course grounds were used as an airstrip. In 1924, Singapore Sporting Club was renamed "Singapore Turf Club". The race course would remain at Farrer Park Field until 1933 when it was superseded by the Bukit Timah Race Course. Farrer Park Field eventually opened for public use, with new developments including playing fields and a building called "Sports House". Today, Race Course Road and Race Course Lane bear witness to the area's horse racing past. Farrer Park MRT station took its name from this field.
Politics
Farrer Park Field was the location of numerous political gatherings during Singapore's turbulent pre-war and post-war years. In 1942, following the Japanese takeover of Singapore, soldiers from the British Indian Army were rounded up at Farrer Park Field to urge them to switch allegiance to the Japanese. This event is now known as the Farrer Park address. In the post-war struggle for independence, many political rallies were held at Farrer Park Field. On August 15, 1955, the People's Action Party campaigned for self-governance at Farrer Park Field.
, which now manages Farrer Park Field, will return the land to the government by mid-2020 for future residential development. Members of the public have voiced concerns over the possible loss of heritage, considering Farrer Park Field is notable for its contribution to Singapore's sporting, political and aviation spheres.
