Daren Detention Pond Inaugurated, Combining Ecology and Recreation as a Waterside Garden

(CNA, Reporter Li Hui-ting, Pingtung County, 18th) The environmental enhancement project for the Daren branch detention pond on WuLuo Creek in Pingtung was inaugurated today. County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi stated that this allows the detention pond to be more than just a flood control facility, but also to have functions for recreation, education, and environmental protection, serving as a waterside backyard garden for locals on weekends. To improve the flooding problem caused by the insufficient flow cross-section of the Daren drainage branch, after 9 years of intensive management, the entire line's renovation project was completed in December of the 112th year of the Republic of China. To further enhance the quality of life for residents, the county government self-funded over NT$30 million for the environmental enhancement project, which was completed in mid-April and officially inaugurated today. Chou Chun-mi told the media in an interview that in addition to its flood control and water management functions, the park features an observation deck, a bird-watching platform, a small forest hill, and walking trails. Through diversified design and guided facilities, visitors can learn about the local bird species and ecological environment, making the detention pond not just a disaster prevention facility but one that combines recreation, education, and environmental conservation, and can become a waterside backyard garden for locals' weekend leisure. The Pingtung County Government's Water Resources Department explained that to enhance the waterside environment, this construction project used environmentally friendly single-pier columns to build a 3-meter-wide connecting bridge over the waterway, stitching together the entire pathway. A mountain-and-water-viewing platform was also set up at the entrance, using the technique of borrowed scenery to bring the magnificent Dawu mountain range into view. Furthermore, to implement ecological education and practice low-carbon observation, a bird-watching pavilion was added, allowing residents to get close to nature without disturbing the birds' habitat. Various tree species such as Formosan ash, China berry, and Salix warburgii were planted, and existing grassy mounds were revitalized. Through handcrafted stone steps and the supplementary planting of flowers and trees like bishop wood, crape myrtle, and subcostate crape myrtle, a quiet, shaded forest recreational space was created. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150518