Opened in 1953, Esplanade Park was built on reclaimed land as an extension of the Padang for recreational use. Reclamation works and construction began as early as the 1930s, but the park was only completed after World War II.
The promenade in the park was named Queen Elizabeth Walk in 1953 to commemorate the Queen’s coronation. The new seafront attraction, featuring an open-air food centre selling local and European dishes, quickly became a favourite local haunt. In 1970, the food centre underwent redevelopment to house satay sellers from Beach Road. Known as “Satay Club”, the food centre operated till 1995 when it was demolished to make way for the development of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
The park also played a role in cultural traditions. For many years, on the night of the 15th day of Chinese New Year, young Chinese singles would toss symbolic food items such as oranges, apples and red dates into the sea to wish for love and good fortune.
Aside from its recreational use, Esplanade Park is home to a collective National Monument: The Cenotaph, honouring military personnel who perished in World War I and II; Lim Bo Seng Memorial, dedicated to the war hero; and Tan Kim Seng Fountain, recognising the philanthropist’s contribution to Singapore’s waterworks. A marker about a demolished Indian National Army Memorial that once stood at the Esplanade is also located nearby.
