Inside the park and memorial, once the 'Chu Hoa villa' area

The villa complex at 1 Ly Thai To, originally owned by the Chu Hoa family and abandoned for years, has been renovated into a park and memorial, opening on the evening of 12/2 (the 25th day of the 12th lunar month).

The 4,3 hectare site at 1 Ly Thai To, TP HCM, has been transformed into a public park and a memorial for Covid-19 victims. This extensive renovation, completed over three months, opened on the evening of 12/2. The site, strategically located at the intersection of Ly Thai To, Hung Vuong, and Tran Binh Trong, across from Cong Hoa roundabout, marks a significant change from its appearance in 2024.

The area was once home to seven old French-style villas belonging to the Chu Hoa family, known as the "land king" of old Saigon. After 1975, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed the land, but it lay abandoned for many years, falling into disrepair. The site is now being handed over to the city for public use.

{"caption_all":"At the park's center is a circular plaza spanning 1.800 square meters. Its design draws inspiration from a raindrop hitting the ground, with ripples symbolizing the transformation of sadness into positive energy for a brighter future.","caption_items":"["","",""]"}

{"caption_all":"The "Water Drop" monument, a central feature, is positioned 4 meters below ground level. This 6-meter-tall, 13-meter-circumference structure, crafted from mirrored stainless steel, encloses a heart image, a symbol of gratitude.

It is encircled by 9 steps and 360 water candles. At night, these candles, combined with nearly 1.000 lights across the plaza, create a "candlelight forest," honoring those who died from Covid-19.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

During the renovation, most of the original villas and ancient trees were preserved and restored. Compared to images from two years ago, the area is more open, maintaining its green spaces without the previous overgrown vegetation.

Overgrown paths were cleaned, paved with tiles, and planted with grass and flowers, creating neat landscapes.

One villa, formerly belonging to the Chu Hoa family, is shown before and after renovation, now featuring surrounding paths, lawns, and flower gardens. An ancient tree in front was also retained to provide ample green cover for the park. During the renovation, three of the original seven villas, which covered about 7.000 square meters, were severely damaged structurally and had to be demolished. After many years of disuse, the structures had become derelict.

Wide walking paths, paved with stone, are interspersed with many flowering trees around the park.

{"caption_all":"The site's former tennis court has been repurposed into a sports and community area, designed to host various cultural and artistic events.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

In addition to the park's construction, a sponsor created a spring flower festival space spanning over 4 hectares, featuring nearly 30.000 plants, flowers, and fruits arranged into 12 dioramas that highlight the unique Tet cultural identity of Vietnam's three regions.

Locals and tourists have enjoyed "checking in" with the Water Drop monument and strolling around the park since its opening. Mai Anh commented, "The monument's design is impressive, and I especially appreciate that many trees were preserved, creating a large green space for the area."

Besides Ly Thai To Park 1, TP HCM is also renovating and improving nine other prime "golden land" plots, transforming them into flower gardens for public enjoyment during Tet.