TheNHBushman.com

Photos by MJ Klein This article and all photos are geotagged

Land is at a premium in Taiwan. City planners put parks in virtually any small lot they can use for that purpose as opposed to the giant parks that exist in other countries where land is plentiful. I’ve always appreciated these mini, and sometimes, micro parks and over the new days and weeks I will introduce you to some of them. They can be a fun, almost private place where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful weather we have in Taiwan.

This park is built on a corner piece of land in Hukou. It’s shaped roughly like a triangle.

I don’t know why, but this particular park is almost devoid of ground vegetation. This shot was taken at the pointed end of the park. Looking at the plot of land, it would be hard to put up a decent housing complex here because of the narrow point, so this might be the reason that a park was built here instead.

This sign is posted in 2 places. Come on! No barbecue? That’s Un-taiwanese! I have yet to find the name of this park, if it even has one.

East end of the park. Plenty of open space for something…. I just don’t know what.

Center of the park.

West end of the park. Today there were two mothers with their children using the park.

Honestly, I don’t get the use of these huge planters, except as a trash collector. They are an obstacle to playing children, and with the low brick walls, IMO, a hazard.

On both ends of the park are places to sit and do nothing, since you can’t bring a grill to this park. However, since Taiwan has no discernible open container laws, you can sit here and get plastered all you want. Maybe I’ll do a series on getting plastered in mini parks next time.

This last shot is of the entire park, from the East end facing the West. I think this park has potential but unfortunately (I’m assuming) the local authorities lack the vision to do anything of any consequence with it. Nevertheless, this is a place of relative peace and quiet, as no place in Taiwan is truly quiet.

Still, I like this park. Don’t take my seemingly negative comments too hard. I’m just attempting to realistically portray these places so you can appreciate them.