Autumn is crisp and sunny. Strolling through the Songjiang urban area, "pocket parks" are either shady by trees, or fragrant flowers, and some are also equipped with fitness equipment and amusement facilities, whether it is leisure or festivals and holidays, it attracts many citizens to play. Such "pocket parks" that "push the window to see the green, go out and enter the park" bear witness to the beautiful changes in urban development.
Every morning, Mr. Li, a citizen, would come to the old waterworks Greenland Street Garden located at the northeast corner of Puzhao Road in Zhongshan Middle Road to practice his musical instruments. The melodious tunes and beautiful environment make people who come here to exercise feel more comfortable. "My family lives nearby, less than 10 minutes walk every morning, it's a good environment, walking and boxing, practicing musical instruments, and not disturbing others to rest, it's a good feeling." Mr. Li said.
In addition to the "old water plant", the street garden located at the northeast gate of the three villages of Fangzhou Garden is also popular every day. The garden covers an area of 4,151 square meters and is themed around the "realm of nebulae" and is filled with space elements. The children's play area is equipped with slides, rocking chairs and other facilities, where children can have fun; The fitness square area can meet the needs of surrounding residents for fitness and square dancing; The dynamic and static separation area is a relatively quiet area where residents can bask in the sun and chat.
It is worth mentioning that the three villages of Ark Garden were originally a corner garden, but after more than 20 years of wind and rain, the facilities have aged. After the renovation last year, in addition to updating the facilities and equipment, many original elements were retained, such as more than ten large trees in and around the park, which were not moved, so that the good memories of the surrounding residents can continue. "I used to play hide-and-seek under these trees when I was a child, and now my children can play under the trees, and the facilities are better, the environment is more beautiful, and now the small garden in front of this house is built like a playground, and everyone is very happy." Citizen Ms. Wu said.
In recent years, the relevant departments of Songjiang have listened to public opinion, incorporated the construction of "pocket parks" into the government's practical content for the people, and in accordance with the standard of "300 meters to see the green, 500 meters to see the garden", in the urban area to "see the green", using bare lots and corner lots to build a public ecological space that integrates the functions of scenery viewing, recreation services, cultural display and so on. Many of these parks are located around residential areas, creating high-quality green resting spaces "on the doorstep" for citizens.
"Building 'pocket parks' is an important way to improve the urban ecological environment, enrich the urban green landscape, and enhance the happiness of residents." Qian Huiqin, deputy director of the supervision section of the Songjiang District Landscaping Management Center, introduced that at present, there are more than 100 parks of various types in the district, including 1 national forest park, 2 country parks, 31 urban parks, and 86 "pocket parks" (street gardens). From 2017 to 2023, 38 municipal "pocket parks" will be completed, of which 6 will be included in the municipal "pocket park" list. In addition, the "pocket park" on Datata Road, Zhongshan Street, which was completed in October, will soon be opened to the public.
"The 'pocket park' is small but fine, small and beautiful, with a nearby layout, open and shared, and convenient for the masses." Qian Huiqin said that in order to build a high-quality "pocket park", the Songjiang District Landscaping Management Center will adopt a combination of conservation and management of garden professional teams and community volunteer services to protect the green space at the "doorstep" of citizens and "achieve lasting preservation from green to evergreen".
Text, picture: Song Chong
Editor: Gui Kexin