San Keng Ecological Park Introduction
The Sankeng Nature Ecological Park is located by the beautiful Shimen Reservoir along the Dahan River, covering an area of approximately 7 hectares. The park features a large ecological lake and expansive grassy recreational areas, constructed using ecological methods and extensively planted with local native flower and tree species. This ecological park integrates natural landscapes and includes facilities such as a recreational park, pavilions, wooden arch bridges, and water channels, while connecting to the Sankeng Bicycle Path, creating a space for leisure and fitness activities. The surrounding environment of Sankeng Ecological Park, which is free from industrial development and adjacent to the reservoir dam, features layers of lake and mountain scenery, connecting to large sloped green areas, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. In autumn, the Taiwan sumac trees showcase their tender red leaves, adding beautiful colors to the lush green treetops, creating a stunning vista. Historically, the Sankeng Ecological Park was a busy ferry landing during the Japanese colonial period. However, due to sedimentation in the river, the decline of water transport followed, compounded by illegal mining of sand and gravel that led to severe damage to the local natural landscape. Through efforts and advocacy from local communities and various sectors, it was redesigned and planned by the Construction and Planning Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, introducing water sources from the Shimen Ditch to gradually improve the surrounding vegetation, transforming it into a shimmering and lush natural ecological park. Sankeng Ecological Park showcases a rich riverside ecology and has become one of the representatives of the scenic Longtanshan area. From the planning stage, the park aimed to maintain the original ecology as the primary concept, minimizing human interference and combining nature with recreation. Except for the pavilions and scenic bridges made of concrete, rainwater can naturally seep into the soil throughout the park. The edges of the ecological pool are constructed with natural pebbles, supported by a continuous supply of groundwater and spring water to keep the pool clear; the protective embankments are reinforced with treated wooden stakes to provide resting places for birds. Fishing is prohibited in the ponds, contributing to a rich aquatic ecology, especially enchanting during sunset hours. Walking along the wooden boardwalk by the lake allows close-up views of the lake and mountain landscape while observing birdlife, making it an ideal destination for visitors for relaxation, wedding photography, and ecological observation. Additionally, adjacent to the park is the Dahan River embankment, where visitors can climb the stone steps to overlook the scenic views of the Shimen Dam and the Dahan River. Behind the park connects to the famous Sankeng Iron Horse Trail, with a total length of 6 kilometers and a moderate slope, suitable for people of all ages to ride and enjoy scenery. During the summer, visitors can admire the vast green rice fields; in autumn and winter, after rice harvest, cosmos seeds are sown as green manure, creating large fields of cosmos flowers that create a picturesque floral landscape.
