Efforts to create green spaces

The green parks and flowerbeds in Hoang Van Thu ward meet the needs for exercise, sports , and recreation for residents in the area.

Starting from challenges

Many years ago, Thai Nguyen City faced the daunting challenge of rapid urbanization, which led to a shrinking supply of green space. Many vacant plots in central wards such as Hoang Van Thu, Tuc Duyen, and Phan Dinh Phung became illegal dumping grounds, causing pollution. Furthermore, a major challenge lay in fragmented planning and the lack of a comprehensive strategy for developing green spaces.

Faced with this situation, Thai Nguyen City has embarked on a roadmap to create green spaces: systematic planning and diversification of resources. The city has consulted with urban experts and relevant agencies to plan green parks with a total area of 691 hectares, in key areas such as Linh Son Park, which is expected to cover 105 hectares with an estimated total investment of 2,650 billion VND.

This park is designed as a multi-functional space, combining recreational areas, sports facilities, and ecological conservation. The green belt along the Cau River, with an estimated area of approximately 500 hectares, aims to create a green belt to protect water resources and connect residential areas from Son Cam to Dong Lien.

The urban park cluster includes planned areas in Gia Sang ward (25ha), the western urban area (45ha), and the southern urban area (65ha).

The central streets of Thai Nguyen City are covered in greenery with many types of trees.

In addition, the city has mobilized resources, from budget allocations to community participation, to implement green park projects. Typical projects include: the renovation of sidewalks and greenery at the Tan Lap intersection (total investment of 137 billion VND); and the construction of landscaping behind Vo Nguyen Giap Square (investment of 200 billion VND)...

The first "green lungs"

After nearly four years of implementing Directive No. 13/CT-UBND dated June 17, 2021, of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee on managing and promoting urban green space development, Thai Nguyen City has achieved many remarkable results.

Notably, the city has completed and put into use 4 green parks and flowerbeds in the central wards (Tuc Duyen, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Van Thu, Quan Trieu) with a total area of 6,334m2, at an investment cost of 9 billion VND from the budget.

Perspective view of the green park area behind Vo Nguyen Giap Square.

The newly constructed parks and flowerbeds have brought about a positive transformation in the city's urban green spaces. What were once empty plots of land have become "green lungs" with lush trees, exercise areas, and bustling children's playgrounds. These areas have become indispensable community gathering places for residents.

Ms. Ngo Tieu Linh, residing in Hoang Van Thu ward, happily shared: "Since the park was built in the area, every afternoon there are many people coming to exercise, children playing, and the environment is much cleaner."

In its efforts to create green spaces, Thai Nguyen City has mobilized the strong participation of the entire political system and the people. Every year, state agencies actively participate in tree planting movements with remarkable results.

From 2021 to the present, Thai Nguyen City has planted 140,000 new trees (achieving 93% of the plan of the "Planting 1 billion new trees in the period 2021-2025" project launched by the Prime Minister), of which state agencies and units contributed about 40% of the number of trees planted.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Quan, Secretary of the Thai Nguyen City Youth Union, said: "The Youth Union clearly defines its pioneering role in developing urban greenery. In 2024, we mobilized union members to plant over 25,000 new trees through movements such as 'One tree per union member' and 'Youth-managed road'... This is not only an activity to protect the environment but also to educate the younger generation."

Every year, Thai Nguyen City spends approximately 10 billion VND on maintaining urban greenery.

The target is 12 square meters of green space per person.

With its impressive urban green space system, including 18,000 m2 of flowerbeds, 44,000 m2 of lawns, 4,500 ornamental trees, and over 8,000 shade trees, Thai Nguyen City has achieved 8.9 m2 of green space per person, exceeding the standard for a Type I urban area. However, not stopping there, the city aims to reach 12 m2 of green space per person by 2030.

Architect Vu Nguyen Binh, Thai Nguyen Young Architects Club: The green space index of 8.9 m2/person is a positive sign showing that Thai Nguyen City is on the right track in sustainable urban development.

To realize this goal, the city is implementing a comprehensive set of solutions. In terms of planning, Thai Nguyen City is focusing on developing large parks, such as Linh Son Park and the green belt along the Cau River, while also utilizing every available space to create more urban "green areas".

Ms. Tran Thi Ngan, a resident of Trung Vuong ward, enthusiastically said: "I strongly support the 'One Tree Per Person' program. My family has planted many trees and voluntarily takes care of the flowerbeds in front of our house."

Besides mobilizing the community to plant 150,000 trees by 2025, the city's future goal is to apply modern technology to manage green spaces and implement automated, water-saving irrigation systems. However, the biggest challenge currently facing the city is the limited land area and restricted investment capital, necessitating the mobilization of social resources and investment from businesses to develop green spaces.

With strong political determination and the consensus of its people, Thai Nguyen City is gradually realizing its aspiration to become a model "green city" in the northern region, where every street and every corner is shaded by trees, contributing to improving the quality of life and creating a harmonious urban identity between development and environmental protection.

Comment (0)