Taiwan mayoral candidate proposes three park plans for 'Garden City' vision

Douliu mayoral candidate Lai Shu-ni has proposed a comprehensive plan to transform the city into a "friendly garden city," centered on the development of three major parks. The initiative aims to create an urban environment that balances recreation, tourism, ecological preservation, and sustainability.

The proposed Central Park will be developed from the existing hydrophilic park, with experts in horticulture and landscape design creating a city park concept for residents' recreation and exercise in the city center. Meihu Park will be linked to the natural environments of Meilin and Hushan, utilizing the Hushan Reservoir as a base. This park will integrate stream management, flood control, ecological conservation, and recreational and tourism facilities, forming a continuous corridor.

A significant component of the plan is the "Forest Pet Park." Lai Shu-ni stated that creating a pet-friendly environment involves more than just designated activity areas; it requires a rethinking of urban public spaces. The vision is to connect forests, green spaces, walking trails, recreational spots, and pet activity zones. This aims to provide children with opportunities to connect with nature, seniors with spaces for leisurely walks, youth with areas for fitness, and pet owners with places to spend time with their animals, ultimately creating a "happy park for all citizens."

Lai Shu-ni stressed that the "garden city" concept is not merely about increasing the number of trees or parks. It involves a holistic approach to connect the city's green spaces, ecological environment, recreational activities, and tourism resources. The goal is to ensure that residents can access high-quality public spaces within their living areas, making Douliu a more livable and attractive city for both residents and tourists.