Located in the city center with an area of nearly 26 hectares, Vinh City Central Park (Nghe An) used to be a familiar destination for Nghe An people and tourists from near and far. This is not only an ideal space for cultural and sports activities but also a place to preserve childhood memories, meetings, reunion, and relaxation in the heart of the city.
However, after decades of operation, the park is gradually falling into a state of serious degradation.
According to the reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper on April 17, here are rows of dusty stone benches, peeling roadbrick, garbage everywhere, overgrown with trees, not pruning. The scene that used to be crowded with people is now overshadowed by the desert and quiet.
In particular, the children's playground - which used to be a "weekend destination" for families - now has only rusty equipment, leaning in the sun and wind.
The peach blossom swing game that once attracted a large number of young children has also stopped operating. The ticket counter was closed, the machinery control area was covered with spider webs.
A park employee shared: Customers can only count each day on their fingers. Many items have been broken for a long time but have not been repaired. The games cannot be operated, there is nothing for children to play, so people are not interested in coming back.
Mr. Dung - a resident living near the park - recalled: "In the past, every weekend afternoon, the park was bustling with people coming and going, children playing, and adults relaxing. Now there are only a few people running, the rest are covered in silence".
Trung Long Joint Stock Company - the unit managing Vinh City Central Park, is a business of Thien Minh Duc Group Joint Stock Company.
On April 17, speaking with reporters, a representative of Trung Long Joint Stock Company - the management unit of Vinh City Central Park - said that the park is currently open for free, to facilitate people and tourists to visit, walk, exercise, and relax.
"Our goal is to create green lungs for people to enjoy fresh air and relax to protect their health. Investing in modern games as before is very expensive, while businesses are still facing many difficulties" - said a representative of Trung Long Joint Stock Company, adding that businesses are continuing to seek a new direction for Central Park.
The initial signs of renovation have been deployed, but to revive a space that was once an urban symbol, Vinh City Central Park needs more than that: a methodical planning strategy, strong enough financial resources and especially the cooperation of the government, community and businesses.
The revival of the park is not only about restoring a place for entertainment, but also returning to the city a true public cultural space - a place that connects people with nature, and connects the memories of many generations.
