Africazine:
Ho Chi Minh City is transforming its urban landscape by repurposing prime land into vibrant public parks.
The city has launched projects like the Nha Rong Wharf–Khanh Hoi Cultural Park, with an investment exceeding 29.3 trillion VND. This initiative aims to enhance community spaces and address the growing need for greenery amidst rapid urbanization.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Green Transformation Initiatives
Ho Chi Minh City is actively converting vacant real estate into lush parks, reflecting a commitment to improving residents’ quality of life. The Nha Rong Wharf–Khanh Hoi Cultural Park is a prime example of this initiative, pivoting from a previously approved commercial project to a cultural park after further study.
In addition, the city has successfully developed over 237.5 hectares of public parks, surpassing its targets significantly. This includes the creation of 54 hectares of public green space and the planting or renovation of over 42,000 trees, showcasing the city’s dedication to enhancing urban greenery.
Challenges and Opportunities in Park Management
Despite the progress, many parks in Ho Chi Minh City face underutilization and lack distinct identities. Experts argue that current park management prioritizes basic maintenance over cultural programming, limiting their potential as community hubs. The city must shift its focus from merely having parks to leveraging them as vibrant social spaces.
Residents have expressed the need for parks that cater to diverse activities, such as reading, arts, and sports. This thematic development could transform parks into destinations that engage the community year-round, rather than just during peak hours.
Future Directions for Urban Parks
- Increase public green space to 1 square metre per capita by 2030.
- Develop an additional 10 hectares of public greenery by 2030.
- Implement a unified management mechanism for parks.
- Focus on creating themed parks that cater to specific community needs.
Ho Chi Minh City’s parks are evolving into essential community spaces that foster social connections.
