Changhua's First Umbrella-Weaving Cultural Playground: Zhongquan Park in Hemei Township Creates a New All-Age Inclusive Landmark

In recent years, the Changhua County Government has actively promoted its 'One Township, One Characteristic Park' policy. On September 24, County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Environmental Facility Improvement Project of the Children's Playground at Hemei Township's Zhongquan Sports Park,' unveiling a new family-friendly recreational landmark for Hemei.

Magistrate Wang stated that the project has a total budget of approximately NT$40 million, with NT$33.33 million funded by the county government and NT$6.67 million contributed by the township office. The construction period is expected to last 210 calendar days. She expressed gratitude to Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin and councilors for their budgetary support, as well as to the Hemei Township Office, Township Council, and various stakeholders whose cooperation has enabled smooth progress. The park will be centered on 'sports, recreation, and leisure,' integrating play, exercise, and relaxation functions to create an age-inclusive, locally distinctive children's playground that provides residents with a high-quality, safe recreational space.

Wang emphasized that the county government, in collaboration with the Hemei Township Office, is developing a sports complex on the site of the second campus of Hedo Elementary School. Designed for all ages—from infants to seniors—this inclusive space aims to achieve the goal of universal fitness. The children's playground will feature 14 different types of play equipment, ensuring fun for kids and relaxation for adults.

The adjacent 400-meter standard athletic track is scheduled to be completed first, in October of this year, providing students, athletes, and the public with a more complete and professional training environment. On the opposite side, a multi-purpose hall capable of accommodating nine standard badminton courts will soon be constructed. An underground parking lot within the hall will provide approximately 80 parking spaces. This integration of the playground with surrounding sports facilities will enhance the overall recreational functionality, offering residents a higher quality of life.

Magistrate Wang also expressed appreciation to County Councilor Lin Hsiao-chi, who concurrently serves as Chair of the Changhua Zhangmei Slow-Pitch Softball Association, and other councilors for their support. Many local residents previously used this site for softball games and dance activities. She acknowledged their sacrifice of current usage rights for the greater good and thanked everyone involved for helping the project move forward smoothly.

Hemei Township Mayor Lin Geng-wu explained that the Zhongquan Sports Park development consists of three main components: the 400-meter track (to be completed next month), the children's playground, and the badminton hall with nine courts and 80 underground parking spaces. Additionally, the county government plans to construct an underground parking lot and plaza at Hezhong Square, which will help meet parking demands in nearby youth housing areas. Combined with the planned transportation hub across from the township office, these developments will create a more comprehensive leisure and transportation environment for Hemei.

The Department of Urban and Rural Development noted that Hemei is an important traditional umbrella-weaving community in Changhua. This project incorporates local umbrella-making and textile culture, using 'Umbrella Brilliance in Hemei' as its entrance theme. It features diverse facilities such as zip lines, parkour zones, climbing structures, basketball courts, and senior-friendly exercise equipment, creating a safe and engaging all-age inclusive playground. To date, the department has completed 17 inclusive特色 parks, with seven currently under construction. Upon completion, the 25th park—Zhongquan Children's Playground—will become a new family-friendly recreational highlight for the region.

The county government continues to improve public infrastructure and promote diverse recreational activities, encouraging residents to go outdoors and enjoy healthy lifestyles. The '2026 Changhua Vegetarian Festival' runs until September 30; visitors who eat vegetarian meals at partner restaurants and collect stamps can enter a lucky draw for prizes. On October 3, the Vegetarian Carnival will take place at Yanping Park, featuring a fully vegan market, musical performances, and NT$100 value meal sets.

The 'Guashan Grand Trek – Circulating Changhua' event runs from September 1 to November 30, inviting participants to challenge eight trails across Bagua Mountain. Completing designated trails earns hikers a handmade 'Little Mountain Monster Soap' as a finisher gift. Completing four trails grants one raffle entry; completing all eight grants an additional entry.

The 2nd 'Chaopai Lukang Music Festival' will be held energetically from October 16 to 18 at Lukang Township Stadium. On October 16, the finals of a music talent competition will be held, followed by performances from 72 popular domestic and international singers and bands on the 17th and 18th, accompanied by a特色 market.

The public is invited to visit Changhua, enjoy vegetarian food, hike scenic trails, listen to live music, win great prizes, and look forward to future visits to the Zhongquan Sports Park Children's Playground to experience family bonding and recreational sports enjoyment.