Xitun's Wenhua Park Transforms into 'Forest Adventure Playground' Creating Inclusive Play Space for Families

Wenhua Park in Xitun District, Taichung City, is transforming into a 'Forest Adventure Playground.' The Taichung City Department of Public Works is investing NT$8 million in the 'Xitun District Wenhua Park Inclusive Playground Improvement Project,' which commenced construction in September this year. Centered around the theme of 'Forest Adventure,' the park will feature a multi-level adventure tower offering diverse play experiences such as climbing, crawling, balancing, and sliding. With barrier-free accessibility and parent-child co-play design, the renovated park is expected to open by the end of January next year, allowing children to freely explore and challenge themselves amidst urban greenery, creating a family-friendly recreation space that combines natural characteristics with inclusive values.

Chen Da-tien, Director of the Department of Public Works, stated that Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen's 'Taichung Meile Di Plan' continuously enhances park environments and recreational quality based on citizens' needs, aiming to transform parks into living spaces that serve leisure, play, and social interaction functions. Considering Wenhua Park's abundant existing trees and lush greenery, this renovation particularly focuses on 'connecting with nature and exploration' as its core concept. By integrating the existing natural environment into the playground design, children can interact with nature and unleash their imagination during play, while ensuring that recreational facilities blend seamlessly with the park's landscape.

According to the Department, the centerpiece of this renovation is the 'Forest Adventure Play Tower,' complemented by various play components at different heights and configurations, providing diverse experiences including climbing, crawling through tunnels, balance challenges, and sliding. The overall design harmonizes with existing trees and greenery, using natural, soft color schemes to ensure play structures blend into the surrounding scenery. Spaces are thoughtfully arranged according to age groups and user needs, incorporating barrier-free and inclusive design principles so that children of different ages and abilities can find suitable play activities. Additional seating and optimized play pathways have been added to accommodate both children's play and parental supervision.

Upon completion, the Department states that Wenhua Park will offer children greater opportunities for autonomous exploration and challenge through comprehensive improvements to play facilities, landscape, rest areas, and circulation routes. It will also become a valuable space for family activities and community interaction for nearby residents. The Department will continue improving urban park environments through the 'Taichung Meile Di Plan,' creating safe, friendly, and diverse public recreation spaces tailored to local characteristics and usage demands, making parks more comfortable and distinctive leisure destinations in citizens' daily lives.