aeeble

Daan Forest Park is located in Da’an District, within the central area of the city. It is bordered by Jianguo N. Road on the east, Xinyi Road on the west, Peace E. Road on the south, and Xinsheng S. Road on the north. The park covers an area of 25.9293 hectares. Since ROC Year 74 (1985), park development pace was accelerated due to urban development, and after efforts from different sectors, the park was opened on March 29, ROC Year 83 (1994).

　　The park was newly developed in recent years; its facilities and equipment are all brand new. Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the towering, emerald foliage of trees and neatly layered shrubs, the vividly colored flowerbeds, and a breathtaking scenery resembling a stunning forest park. The main entrance plaza of the park (near the junction of Xinyi Road and Xinsheng S. Road) features closely planted grass flowers and ornamental plants. Together with the Buddhist sculpture area and the southern bamboo forest area (comprising gourd bamboo, green bamboo, golden bamboo, osmanthus bamboo, and square bamboo), these formations create distinctive scenes. In the northwest corner of the park lies a large natural pond, covering 0.7 hectares. The area surrounding the pond and its small central island is planted with golden bells, red-leaf amaranth, canna lilies, and yellow trumpetflowers. Additionally, Ficus pumila clings to rocky walls of the island, while golden koi fish swim leisurely in the pond, captivating visitors who often stop by the edge for a long time to admire the view. At the center of the park is a musical stage with a naturally sloped design, capable of accommodating about 900 spectators. It is a major site for artistic and cultural performances in the city. The stage is surrounded by flowerbeds rich in aromatic plants that attract birds and butterflies, including magnolia, gardenia, seven-step jasmine, orchids, sweet-scented cassia, and osmanthus. One can clearly smell the fresh fragrance when walking nearby, and this area is also barrier-free. In the southeastern part of the park, palms with Southeast Asian characteristics can be seen across the view from Jianguo N. Road, including majestic palms, Alexander palms, Washington palms, bottle palms, peacock palms, and canna lilies. Walking among them evokes the feeling of being immersed in a tropical palm forest.

　　The park is traversed by two main roads running east-west and north-south. Along the roads, trees and shrubs are planted extensively, interspersed with flowerbeds serving as scenic accents. Emphasizing a forest-like layout, the park offers not only beautiful plant landscapes but also 12 pavilions for shade or rest, as well as service facilities such as telephones and drinking fountains. Six restrooms include disabled accessibility features and baby changing tables as well as safety seats, delivering a comfortable and comprehensive experience. Along the park’s perimeter road adjacent to Jianguo N. Road is planted Lophanthera, adjacent to Peace E. Road is camphor tree, adjacent to Xinsheng S. Road is cypress tree, adjacent to Xinyi Road is banyan tree, and maple trees are planted in the central lane. Within the perimeter of the park, multi-tiered hedges serve as a green boundary. Along Jianguo N. Road, the beds of plumbago lantana bloom colorful flowers like a ribbon, further enhancing the park scenery. In ROC Year 93, a jogging path was extended under large trees along Xinsheng S. Road. In ROC Year 94, a jogging track was added between Peace E. Road and Jianguo N. Road.

　　Since the park is located in the downtown area, it is frequently visited every day, especially in the morning and at dusk. Numerous residents from nearby areas are often seen in the park engaging in activities like exercise, walking, dancing, and leisure. In the northeast corner is a children’s playground, beneath which is a two-level underground car park that accommodates up to 1,452 small cars, easing parking challenges for visitors.

　　Within crowded, highly polluted, and heat-island-effect-affected Taipei City, this 26-hectare, purely recreational, urban forest park is akin to a fresh and invigorating “lungs of the city.” It helps purify the air, reduce noise levels, and control temperatures. Visitors can enjoy flower viewing, watch performances on the musical stage, and partake in a refreshing “forest bath.” Scenic views are found everywhere in the park, maximizing its functionalities and fulfilling its potential as an urban oasis.