The Hongqiao Park and Huashan Children’s Park in Changning have both been renovated, with significant improvements in their appearance and functionality.

The predecessor of Hongqiao Park was the Shanghai Children’s Transportation Park, which was completed and opened on June 1, 1987. It was renamed Hongqiao Park in 2006 and began overall renovation in 2022. The renovated park is not only suitable for fitness and leisure for all age groups, but also adds many child friendly elements.

Entering Hongqiao Park from the intersection of Zunyi Road and Xianxia Road, one can see the brightly colored words “PARK” and a white, simple circular corridor behind them. This is precisely the visual highlight and functional focus of the newly created “Hongqiao Yuanting” in the park.

The “Hongqiao Yuanting” simulates the changes in light perception of sunset and the sky through programming design, making “night park” full of charm. The central lawn has become an outdoor stage, and the seats under the roof are prepared for the audience.

There is a white arched passage in the park, specifically designed for children, and its shape is quite similar to the “overpass” in the previous children’s transportation park, reminding the parents their old days. 

A circular slow track was added in the park, with a streamlined shape of “Pac-Man” on it. Sports on this track are quite childlike.

In the park, the “S-shaped art stools” that can be sat, ridden, and climbed help children explore various interactive ways, and various new activities and stories are happening in this brand new park.

Huashan Children’s Park was built in 1952 and underwent renovation in 2023, allowing children to immerse themselves in the ocean of knowledge while playing.

Entering the park, the Knowledge Pavilion’s “Tree of Wisdom” and “Wisdom Vine” unpowered amusement devices first catch the eye. The “Tree of Wisdom” in the Knowledge Pavilion is mainly made of round steel, and the roof is equipped with a question mark of “100,000 Whys.” 

In the middle of the installation, the “Tree of Wisdom” with circular LED lights as leaves, and the leaves are pasted with the questions from the “100,000 Whys” plant scroll through electrostatic film.

The excerpt from the “100,000 Whys” question on the “Tree of Wisdom” will also be regularly updated. And the answers to these questions can be found on the “Wisdom Fruit” scattered in the central flower bed, which is very interesting.

On the other hand, the “Wisdom Vine” unpowered amusement device composed of colored pipes is a good place for children to climb and play. The installation is colorful and adorns the park like a rainbow.

At the same time, the park’s form is like a gardener’s shower, symbolizing the watering of knowledge for children in this children’s playground.

Edited by Shanghai Daily