On the afternoon of 25/1, Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company, the sponsor, handed over the renovated property at 8 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa ward, to the ward people's committee for management.

The park was constructed in about two weeks, finishing 15 days ahead of schedule. This marks the first of 9 prime land plots in TP HCM slated for transformation into public parks and put into use before Tet.

The park at 8 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa ward, seen from above, on the afternoon of 25/1. Photo: An Phuong

Mr. Bui Quang Anh Vu, general director of Phat Dat, stated that following the policy from the city Party Committee and TP HCM People's Committee, the company mobilized resources and worked continuously to complete the project early, allowing residents to enjoy the green space.

Beyond utilizing existing trees, the company introduced various forest and ornamental trees suitable for the urban environment, such as: banyan, giang huong, date palm, loc vung, and trumpet tree, alongside many types of flowers.

The park, themed "Ecological forest in the heart of the city", is divided into several zones. It features: walking paths, playgrounds, exercise areas, a plaza, and integrated electricity, water, and lighting systems. For Tet Binh Ngo, the space was adorned with miniatures, including a horse mascot and star-shaped flowerbeds, serving residents celebrating spring.

Residents taking photos next to the horse mascot at the park, on the afternoon of 25/1. Photo: Le Tuyet

One highlight of the park is a graffiti-style area depicting iconic TP HCM landmarks such as: Landmark 81 building, Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro line one, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.

At the handover ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Hung Hau, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Xuan Hoa ward, highlighted the transformation of the long-vacant land into a vibrant community space. He noted that the park will serve as a venue for residents to exercise, play, and organize cultural activities, improving the central area's appearance and increasing green spaces in the inner city.

Ms. Sibutseng Nleya, a tourist from England, resting at the park, on the afternoon of 25/1. Photo: Le Tuyet

Immediately after opening, the park attracted many residents and tourists for photography, walking, and exercise. Ms. Sibutseng Nleya, a tourist from England, expressed her impression of the green, colorful space in the city center. She spent the entire opening afternoon relaxing there.

The Phan Dinh Phung Sports Complex project, covering 14,400 m2, is located at the intersection of four streets: Pasteur, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Vo Van Tan. With an estimated total investment of about 1,850 billion VND, this central plot had been abandoned for over 15 years due to project delays.

Location of the land plot used for the park. Graphic: Tam Thao

Beyond this site, several other locations are also undergoing transformation into public parks and flower gardens. These include: 135 Nguyen Hue (Tax Commercial Center project), 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung, and 8-12 Le Duan, where fences are being removed and progress accelerated for public use.

Le Tuyet