“This area was initially planned for social housing, but when we discovered the presence of the Taiwan Oriole, a first-class protected species, the plan was redefined as a park to preserve the habitat and create an urban lung. During the construction phase, we were concerned that full-scale development would disturb the Taiwan Oriole and force it to relocate. Therefore, we adopted a phased construction approach, dividing the project into southern and northern zones to ensure the oriole could remain in its habitat,” explained Chen Tsui-Hui, Section Chief of the Landscape Engineering Section, Public Works Department, Taoyuan City Government, as she introduced the origins of Danan Forest Park.
Danan Forest Park was formerly the Longteng Military Camp, a site used by the military. Following a reduction in troop numbers, the camp was transferred to the First Special Police Corps. After the corps relocated in 2017, the site was left idle. In 2018, the area was initially designated for social housing development. However, ecological surveys revealed the presence of the Taiwan Oriole, along with other native flora and fauna such as beetles, dragonflies, red-billed starlings, black-crowned night herons, crested goshawks, egrets, barbet birds, long-tailed shrikes, cobra-like snakes, and banded kraits. Considering the ecological importance of the area, the Public Works Department recommended transforming the site into a new urban oasis in the city center. Construction in the park was carefully staged to avoid large-scale excavation and to provide a breathing space for wildlife, allowing them to migrate within the construction zones.
Ecological Resilience for Water Retention, Flood Control, and Disaster Mitigation
"Danan Forest Park features three retention ponds. During the rainy season, the recreational floodplain grass areas can serve as urban flood control zones. In the dry season, these spaces function as leisure lawns. Previously, parks of this scale often relied on municipal water for irrigation, with water bills reaching up to tens of thousands of dollars. However, since the Shimen Canal runs through the park, underground water storage tanks beneath the forest and wetlands can store water for irrigation. This alternative is more environmentally friendly than chlorinated municipal water," explained Chen Tsui-Hui, Section Chief of the Landscape Engineering Section, Public Works Department, Taoyuan City Government, as she highlighted the park's water resource strategy and ecological resilience.
Danan Forest Park integrates diverse ecological landscapes, including forests, secondary forests, grassy slopes, wetlands, depressions, and retention ponds, to create a biodiverse and wildlife-friendly habitat. The park's extensive green coverage and flood retention areas are supported by an underground drainage system equipped with powerful pumps to actively regulate water levels throughout the park. This reduces the likelihood of flooding in surrounding areas and embodies the concept of a sponge city. The park provides Taoyuan residents with a multifunctional urban forest that not only serves as an ecological habitat but also incorporates flood control and recreational amenities, promoting both disaster resilience and environmental harmony.
The Importance of Ecological Restoration
During the interview, Section Chief Chen Tsui-Hui shared a story about a cherry blossom tree and fledglings: "Previously, there was a cherry blossom tree in the park. When we invited a committee of plant ecology experts for inspection, they discovered that the tree was diseased and recommended its removal. However, we later observed birds nesting in the tree, so the removal was postponed. We even invited a professional photography team to document the birds’ nesting process. After the fledglings grew up and left the nest, the cherry blossom tree seemingly fulfilled its mission and eventually fell on its own. Only then did we proceed to clear it away. This story embodies the significance of ecological restoration."
Danan Forest Park was formerly the site of a Police First Corps camp, characterized by extensive concrete pavements and buildings. All demolition materials were locally recycled and reused to minimize environmental impact and preserve the area's original characteristics, integrating traces of history into the park’s landscape. Moreover, ecological surveys conducted before, during, and after the park's construction revealed a notable increase in biodiversity. Prior to construction, there were 76 species from 39 families of animals recorded. During construction, this number rose to 96 species from 42 families. The growth of green spaces and creation of diverse habitats further contributed to this ecological restoration, highlighting the park’s vital role in enhancing local biodiversity and ecological recovery.
Ecological City, Sustainable Taoyuan
"I often encourage my team by reminding them that they are engaged in meaningful work. Although the process is challenging, our engineering projects are not just theoretical exercises; they turn planning visions into reality. For example, one of our colleagues shared how his son’s classmate recently mentioned visiting 'Green Cedar Park' and enjoying it immensely. The colleague proudly told his son, 'That’s the park your dad helped build!' Pushing forward with major projects requires close collaboration among city government departments to achieve the ideals and goals we envision," said Section Chief Chen Tsui-Hui.
Through coordinated efforts among various Taoyuan City Government departments, Danan Forest Park has become an ecological sanctuary in the metropolitan center (Environment), a natural space to experience biodiversity (Education), and a social hub for citizen interaction (Entertainment). These 3E objectives have transformed Danan Forest Park into a cherished ecological and recreational space for Taoyuan residents, serving as a model for next-generation parks and furthering Taoyuan’s vision of becoming an "Ecological City."