Park city concept energizes people in local communities
In order to create a better urban living environment for its residents, Chengdu in Sichuan province is applying a “park city” concept in the development of communities old and new.
The park city concept shifts urban development from being production-orientated to more living-orientated, Chengdu officials said. It is about creating a landscape with local cultural features, giving residents more of a sense of happiness in the city’s development.
A striking red-roofed building sits among the green landscape of Chengdu’s Tianfu New Area. It is the arts exhibition center at the Luxelakes Eco-City and the entrance to the residential community — an example of the park city concept in action.
The community, with a planned area of 2.95 square miles, sits across from Luhu Lake.
All buildings and roads in the community have been designed to act like veins of the landscape so that residents can enjoy all the benefits of the natural scenery.
Not only is the community a model of the park city concept, it was also included among Chengdu’s demonstration communities for internationalization in 2019.
The community has neighborhood centers at three levels, which offer residents high-quality public services as well as interesting social and leisure activities. The centers create space and opportunities for neighbors to better communicate and strengthen their connections, officials said.
A large fishing festival was held in the community in September. The festival, launched in 2018, has become an annual ceremony held and celebrated by local residents.
A community foundation launched by local companies has been established, exploring the sustainable development of the Luhu Lake region. The foundation is home to a consultation organization for residents to discuss public affairs.
The community has become a popular destination for residents of Chengdu to spend their holidays.
In older and more established areas of Chengdu, the park city concept is also taking shape.
At the site of the former Chengdu Locomotive and Vehicle Plant, Xiajiancao community in Chenghua district was once a living quarter for those working in large State-owned enterprises. The dilapidated community was transformed in 2018 according to the park city concept.
Roads have become wider and cleaner. They are flanked by trees and decorated with elements of locomotive and train design, harking back to the history and cultural legacy of the area.
Disused plots of land have been converted into small parks and greenbelts. The community now also boasts a library, cafes and children’s playgrounds.
Representatives from the community said its renovation contains not only buildings but also the area’s memory, its history and its culture.
A neighborhood platform comprises a meeting hall, a work site for organizations and a site for volunteers.
Since it opened in early 2019, the building has offered at least 50 public service activities annually. It has become a beneficial exploration for improving community culture, local officials said.
An elderly man surnamed Yuan has been living in the community for more than a decade. He said both the housing and streets have become much more pleasant and there are now more fitness facilities and cultural events.