Hanoi renovates parks and lakes for more green spaces

THE HANOI TIMES — The renovation of lakes, parks, and public spaces in Hanoi is in full swing, creating cleaner, greener, and safer destinations for residents.

On these early summer days, the people of Hanoi have Hoang Cau Lake in Dong Da District as their go-to public place. Once degraded, the regulating lake now boasts smooth stone-paved walking paths, modern lighting, flower beds, and shady green trees after partial renovation.

Nguyen Cong Dat, who lives by the lake, said that green spaces like this one are becoming increasingly rare and are therefore highly valued. He recalled when the lake was full of trash and emitted unpleasant odors, barely frequented by people. Now, it is clean and beautiful, with children playing and adults exercising along the shore.

Besides regulating the air and controlling flooding, Hoang Cau Lake serves as a green lung where, every early morning and late afternoon, the lakeside path is full of walkers and exercisers.

"My wife and I often come to the lake for a stroll. Since the renovation, this place has become airy and clean, and it's perfect for meeting neighbors and friends," said Nguyen Cong Thanh, a resident in Thai Thinh Street.

The entire Hoang Cau Lake renovation project is expected to be completed by August 2025.

Phung Khoang Park has been open for several months, allowing residents easy access to the green space. Features like fountains, flower beds, and lakeside railings have been completed, enhancing the landscape and the quality of public spaces. Locals appreciate having a spacious, breezy place to unwind and exercise.

"Phung Khoang Park is now just as residents have wished for many years. We are happy enjoying this open green space," said Nguyen Khue Vinh, a resident in Nam Tu Liem District.

In addition to renovating and regulating lakes, Hanoi is working to remove old structures that spoil the cityscape.

An example is the demolition plan of the “Shark Jaw” building near Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to restore open space and highlight the heritage of Hoan Kiem Lake.

According to Hoan Kiem District, once the structure is removed, the city plans to expand underground spaces and upgrade infrastructure to enhance the landscape and utility of central Hanoi.

Concretizing the city’s greening plans 

The renovation of Hoan Cau Lake, the construction of Phung Khoang Park, and the demolition of the “Shark Jaw” building demonstrate the city’s dedication to landscaping and returning public spaces to the community.

Hanoi has a plan for trees, parks, and lakes through 2030, with an extended vision to 2050. Many pedestrian areas around lakes, such as Hoan Kiem, Thien Quang, Ngoc Khanh, and Truc Bach, have been renovated to feature more trees and flower beds.

Dumping sites in the Phuc Xa and Phuc Tan wards along the Red River dike are being transformed into "urban forests," which will provide cleaner air and reduce pollution in the surrounding areas.

To achieve its greening goals, Hanoi is carrying out Program 03-CTr/TU for urban renovation from 2021 to 2025. The city's Plan 332/KH-UBND targets the construction, renovation, and upgrading of 62 parks and gardens.

New parks like Ngoc Thuy, Long Bien, and Lam Ha, as well as themed parks in Ha Dong and Nam Tu Liem, have been completed or are nearing completion.

Inner-city gardens such as Le Truc, Van Xuan, Hoang Dieu, and Phan Dinh Phung have also been upgraded to revitalize old neighborhoods. Major parks such as Thong Nhat, Thu Le, and Nghia Do remain important green recreational spaces for residents.

In addition to expanding green spaces, Hanoi plans to transform parks into multifunctional cultural and entertainment areas. One key project is a cultural park on the Red River's sandbanks and riparian land.

The city has held seminars, exhibitions, and idea contests to select the optimal design for the cultural park, which aims to incorporate green landscapes, playgrounds, outdoor stages, and spaces for festivals and events.

Yen So, Hoa Binh, Thu Le, and Thong Nhat parks now host fairs, exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor sports events, enriching community life and attracting locals and tourists.

According to Nguyen Trong Ky Anh, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Planning and Architecture, the city has detailed plans for approximately 60 new parks, including green and themed parks.

Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Urban Planning and Development, told The Hanoi Times that parks and lakes should align with infrastructure, heritage preservation, and urban identity. Linking parks with cultural events promotes public spaces and provides recreational activities to the community.

Pham Quy Tien, Vice Chairman of the City People’s Council, said that Hanoi will continue to adjust its planning to match actual conditions. The city has also utilized subterranean space and parking facilities to optimize urban land resources.