Abandoned lot in Hanyang transformed into sports park, offering residents convenient recreational space.

Children laugh and chase each other in the roller-skating area.

“This area used to be vacant, overgrown with weeds and littered with garbage. Now it’s been transformed into a sports park—not only has the environment improved, but kids also have a place to play. They can play badminton or skateboard right downstairs—it’s so much more convenient!” said a resident of the Taohua Island neighborhood in Hanyang District, admiring the newly opened Taohua Island Sports Park as children played in the roller-skating area. She couldn’t help but praise this “new landmark right at their doorstep.”

It is understood that the land where Taohua Island Sports Park now stands was once an abandoned plot. Due to long-term neglect, it had become a dumping ground for trash and debris, with illegal structures and makeshift vegetable gardens. This not only affected the surrounding environment but also wasted valuable land resources. “This land had been idle for years, and residents often complained about its impact on the city’s appearance,” explained a staff member from Wulidun Subdistrict Office. “Earlier, the subdistrict collaborated with relevant departments to conduct multiple surveys, analyzing the advantages of the location. With dense surrounding communities, there was a clear demand for sports and recreational facilities. Additionally, given its proximity to Moshui Lake and its favorable ecological environment, the site had natural potential for a high-quality sports park. The subdistrict actively negotiated with the Bishui Group for the park’s construction, inviting professional designers to create a well-planned layout for sports facilities and leisure areas, maximizing space and functionality.”

Today, this 17,211-square-meter plot has been transformed into a fully equipped sports park. Inside the park, facilities such as a badminton hall, tennis courts, a roller-skating area, and a skateboard park are neatly arranged, with many residents already enjoying the space.

“Currently, the park offers badminton, tennis, roller-skating, and skateboarding, along with 78 parking spaces. Plans are also underway to introduce light dining options. The booking fees for sports facilities are affordable, and residents can make reservations via the ‘Fun Sports’ WeChat mini-program. In the future, the park will expand to include camping areas, a children’s playground, and cycling facilities, increasing parking spaces to 150. The goal is to create a unique space combining sports, leisure, and social activities,” explained a representative from the park’s co-operator, Wuhan Home Court Sports Development Co., Ltd. The park is jointly managed by two companies, ensuring professional maintenance of sports facilities while continuously improving services through market-oriented operations. “We want to bring idle land back to life, making it a go-to destination for daily exercise and family recreation.”

The residents themselves are the best judges of the transformation. “Before, during holidays, kids could only play at home or within the neighborhood. Now, with a sports park right downstairs, they can play and exercise with friends anytime, while parents chat nearby—it’s brought the community closer,” said a resident from Wulidun Street. Since the vacant land was revitalized, not only has the environment become cleaner, but the neighborhood has also gained a livelier atmosphere.