Huadu Pond Ecological Park Introduction
The surrounding environment of Pingzhen Wodoubi Pond Ecological Park is free from much noise, featuring only a tranquil lake and bamboo groves silently guarding what seems to be a memory from the past. This approximately 0.7-hectare ecological space around the lake was once a fishing pond opened by the Shimen Agricultural Irrigation Association, and it was transformed into an ecological park integrating local culture and natural scenery starting in 2008, receiving recognition as a winner of the 4th Public Works Gold Award from Taoyuan City Government in 2010. Its name comes from a pot; "Wodou" is the Hakka term for the bottom of a pot, as the pond resembles a large cooking pot. This naming connects the local language with the shape of the land, leaving a unique memory of the place. From the name, the park becomes more than just a green space; it serves as a vessel intertwined with local culture. The red bricks, pottery tiles, and pebble walls within the park outline a simple Hakka architectural style, as if tracing back to the essence of Hakka culture within a modern space. As the seasons change, leisurely strolling along the lakeside path, one can witness the changing colors of the bald cypress and Tung flowers. This evokes a desire to linger a little longer. Here, the breath of nature coexists with thoughtful design—the varied terrain creates a 10-meter-high slide, multifunctional climbing equipment, and a pure white sandbox that becomes a playground for children, allowing play and environment to blend with each other. The pathway above the slide connects to the Shimen Waterway Trail, where verdant greenery continues the leisurely pace of a stroll. In addition to natural and recreational spaces, the park collaborates with the irrigation association to set up a management center to promote ecological education activities, guiding visitors to closely observe the ecological environments of the unicorn beetle and the oriental bay owl.
