The Historic Harborside Park playground offers fun for kids and adults.
The Historic Harborside Park next to Anping Port in the southern city of Tainan has been revitalized as a recreational green space. Two attractions along the harbor front are an installation and play spaces. “Blessing of the Big Fish” is a giant artwork that welcomes visitors to climb through it to take in views of the harbor, while a kids’ playground that opened in July 2022 reflects a similar underwater theme.
Conceived by artist Yang Shih-yi (楊士毅) the whale symbolizes the close ties between Anping—Taiwan’s largest commercial port prior to the 20th century—and the ocean. In the cetacean’s belly is a raised model of Taiwan formed from hundreds of colored glass pieces symbolizing cultural and ethnic inclusivity. Visitors can enjoy the stained-glass ceiling effect of the model from the ground or walk up to the viewing platform in the whale’s mouth.
The playground was designed with the participation of parents and children through three workshops, in which they discussed concepts with government officials and designers, resulting in a play space that reflects local culture and history. The playground has four zones with a deep sea adventure theme: Whale Mound, Fast-flowing Trench, Coral Reef and Algae Caves, with play equipment in each section. Elements of local culture, such as the 400-year-old protective symbol of a lion holding a sword in its mouth, are worked into the design.
—by Jim Hwang
A model of Taiwan composed of colored glass throws shadows, while the whale’s mouth givesi views of the harbor.
Play equipment includes swings and rope climbing frames, while painted concrete tubes and cloth sun shields offer an imaginative and shady play space.
Slides, merry-go-rounds and a zipline offer fun for kids in the playground designed with input from parents and children.
Anping’s familiar protective symbol, a lion with a sword in its mouth, is depicted with swimming goggles paddling under the sea.