A repurposed transit hub in Little India is the latest site to join Singapore’s booming pickleball scene, signaling a major expansion of the city-state’s public sports infrastructure. The newly unveiled ActiveSG Courts @ Farrer Park, situated at the former waiting area of the Little India Bus Terminal, officially opened this week to provide residents with eight additional sheltered courts.
This creative conversion marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s “pickleball fever,” following the recent announcements of the region’s first dedicated cruise and various boutique indoor clubs. By transforming a space once reserved for idling buses and commuters into a high-energy sports zone, Sport Singapore is demonstrating a commitment to adaptive urban planning.
A Dual-Use Community Space
In an interesting twist on urban flexibility, the facility serves two purposes. From Monday to Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., the site functions as a premier sports hub. However, on Sundays, the courts revert to their original role as a bus terminal to accommodate weekly transit needs, meaning no bookings are available on that day.
The addition of these eight courts brings Singapore’s total public pickleball inventory to over 80. This is just the beginning of a broader initiative under the Sports Facilities Master Plan. Sport Singapore has announced plans to debut 50 new multi-use courts across the island over the next five years. The ultimate goal is to ensure that by 2030, a sports facility is located within a 10-minute walk of most residential homes.
The Future of Farrer Park
The new pickleball courts are merely a precursor to a larger redevelopment of the area. The upcoming ActiveSG Sport Park @ Farrer Park is slated to become a flagship community hub, featuring:
- An inclusive gym designed for all mobility levels.
- A sheltered swimming complex.
- Multipurpose play areas for diverse athletic pursuits.
How to Book and Play
Located at 5A Race Course Road—just a short six-minute stroll from the Little India MRT station—the facility is highly accessible for central residents and office workers alike.
Bookings are managed through the MyActiveSG+ app. Due to high demand, peak-hour slots are allocated via a balloting system, while off-peak slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The facility remains one of the most affordable ways to stay active in the city:
- Singapore Citizens/PRs (Adults): $2.50 per session.
- Students and Seniors: $1.50 per session.
- Standard Rate: $3.30 per session.
As pickleball continues to grow from a niche hobby into a national pastime, the Farrer Park project serves as a blueprint for how Singapore can continue to innovate within its limited land space, turning everyday transit corridors into vibrant centers for health and social connection.