Sankeng Ecological Park Introduction
Sankeng Ecological Park is located by the picturesque Shimen Reservoir along the Dahan River, covering an area of approximately 7 hectares. It primarily features a large ecological lake and surrounding spacious recreational lawns. The entire area is constructed using ecological techniques and extensively planted with native flora, integrating the ecological park with natural landscapes. Facilities such as a rest park, pavilions, wooden arches, and waterside channels are planned, and it is linked to the Sankeng Bicycle Path, creating a leisure and fitness space. The surrounding environment of Sankeng Ecological Park is free from industrial development and is adjacent to the reservoir dam, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains that stretch endlessly. The large sloping green space by the lake creates a serene and leisurely atmosphere. In autumn, the Taiwanese sweetgum trees change colors to a gentle red, adding beautiful hues to the green treetops, creating a picturesque scene. Historically, Sankeng Ecological Park was a bustling ferry terminal during the Japanese colonial period, but river siltation led to the decline of water transport, and illegal sand mining severely damaged the natural landscape. With the efforts and advocacy of local communities and various stakeholders, the Ministry of the Interior's Construction and Planning Agency redesigned the area, introducing water sources from the Shimen Canal, gradually improving the surrounding greenery and transforming it into a shimmering, lush natural ecological park. Sankeng Ecological Park showcases rich riverside ecology and is a representative of the beautiful scenery of Longtan Mountain. From its planning stage, the park aimed to preserve the original ecology, minimizing human impact while combining nature and leisure. Aside from pavilions and viewing bridges made of concrete, the entire area allows rainwater to naturally seep into the soil. The ecological pond's surroundings are crafted from natural pebbles, receiving a continuous supply of groundwater and mountain spring water to maintain the water's clarity. The protective embankments are reinforced with treated wooden piles, providing temporary resting spots for birds. Fishing is prohibited in the pond, enriching the lake's ecology and making it especially enchanting at sunset. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk by the lake allows for close observations of the lake's scenic beauty and birdwatching. It is an ideal location for tourists to unwind, and a popular spot for wedding photography and ecological observation. Additionally, beside the park is the Dahan River embankment. Climbing the stone steps leads to a panoramic view of the Shimen Dam and the banks of the Dahan River. The park also connects to the famous Sankeng Bicycle Path, which is 6 kilometers long with a moderate incline, suitable for riders of all ages. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the sight of endless green rice paddies; and in autumn and winter, after the rice harvest, cosmos seeds are sown to serve as green manure, resulting in a vast sea of cosmos flowers, creating a delightful and eye-catching floral display.
