Pingtung County Min Park Introduction
In 1909, the Pingtung Sugar Factory was established and began operations, prompting the development of the agricultural industry on the northern bank of the Shashe River. The county government transformed part of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's land into "Taiwan Sugar County Park," which opened 9 hectares of land for public use on October 15, 2018. The park features the historic site of a pulp mill, interesting themed playgrounds, a sugar industry timeline water feature, a large plaza, and expansive grasslands for recreational activities. To highlight the significance of Taiwan Sugar in Pingtung, the county government incorporated the concept of ladybugs, which can repel pests, into the design of the playground, inspired by the sugarcane fields planted by the sugar factory in its early years. Numerous ladybug installations create a lively playground atmosphere, symbolizing the courage to pursue dreams and the boundless hope they represent. This playground not only preserves historical and cultural meanings but also conveys the idea of embracing challenges. In line with the continuing collection project after the 2019 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Pingtung, several lantern displays from the festival were moved to the park, illuminating County Park once again. Today, to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable recreational space for residents, the "Pingtung County Park" officially opened on February 5, 2021, after over five years of work and an investment of 390 million NTD. The county government revitalized the old pulp mill, which had been abandoned for 27 years, integrating it into the new blue and green belt along the Shashe River, creating Taiwan's first park centered around industrial heritage, with a complex waterfront corridor. The park covers a total area of 20 hectares, with a blend of historical, cultural, ecological, landscape, and waterfront characteristics; its unique design creates a new landscape that bridges the past and present, allowing the old industrial site to be reborn as a multi-faceted ecological leisure experience.
