Kaohsiung boosts green spaces, opens 70 themed parks under Mayor Chen Chi-mai

Kaohsiung has seen a substantial expansion of its green spaces and public recreational facilities during Mayor Chen Chi-mai's nearly six years in office. The city's Public Works Bureau reports the completion and opening of 70 themed parks and 14 dedicated pet activity zones. Additionally, new leisure areas such as the "Guoling Natural Park" and "Starlight Waterfront" have been developed, significantly enhancing the city's green landscape.

Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-fu highlighted that the transformation over the past six years goes beyond mere quantity, emphasizing a shift in the value of public spaces. He pointed to the "Guoling Natural Park," a 70-hectare project described as "returning land to the people," and the "Starlight Waterfront," which turns the harbor area into a children's playground. The redevelopment of the former railway workshop into a family amusement park and the integration of themed parks into local communities, along with pet activity zones, demonstrate a commitment to allocating prime urban spaces for citizens and improving the city's aesthetic appeal.

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In the past six years, the changes in Kaohsiung's park construction have not only been in quantity but also in the transformation of public space values.

Recent public opinion polls conducted by the Asia-Pacific Elite Exchange Association reflect strong citizen approval of these initiatives. The transformation of the old Kaohsiung railway workshop into Taiwan's largest semi-indoor, free family amusement park received 86.1% support. Similarly, the "Starlight Waterfront Park," developed as Taiwan's largest free water play park, garnered 83.4% support, indicating a high level of citizen satisfaction with the city's public recreational spaces.

The Public Works Bureau stressed its ongoing efforts to promote themed and inclusive playgrounds across all administrative districts, aiming for "a park, a story." These parks are designed based on local environments, historical features, natural characteristics, and the needs of different age groups. Examples include the "Forest Bear's Secret Castle" at Houjing Park in Nanzi District. The concept of inclusivity is central, incorporating spaces for children, teenagers, and the elderly. Furthermore, to foster a pet-friendly environment, 14 pet dog activity zones have been established, featuring amenities like fencing, double-entry gates, separate areas for large and small dogs, lawns, and play facilities, with unique entrance designs inspired by local characteristics and different dog breeds.

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A park, a story.