Hanoi plans to invest in the development of 16 theme parks to meet the growing demand for green spaces, addressing the city's pressing need for more recreational areas in the near future.

Thong Nhat Park. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

Many parks across Hanoi have recently undergone repairs to address deteriorating facilities and add amenities to better serve residents. Among these, three major parks—Thong Nhat, Thu Le, and Bach Thao—have been approved for renovation projects with a combined budget of nearly VND900 billion (US$35.4 million)

For instance, at Thong Nhat Park, the connection to the pedestrian zone along Tran Nhan Tong Street and its surroundings, along with the opening of four pedestrian entrances, has improved landscape and recreational activities. This highlights the role of parks and green spaces in enhancing the quality of life in urban areas, providing venues for community activities, social interactions, and relaxation.

However, for many years, Hanoi has faced a shortage of recreational space and large-scale parks. One key challenge has been limited investment from both the state and the private sector, resulting in slow progress on park construction and renovation projects.

In response, the city has taken decisive measures and instructed departments, agencies, and districts to solve the challenges. On February 28, 2024, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Document No. 2183/VP-DT, which conveyed the directives of Deputy Chairman Duong Duc Tuan regarding the detailed planning of city parks.

Accordingly, the municipal government has instructed the Department of Planning and Architecture to immediately guide districts and towns to review the parks and gardens under their management, develop detailed plans at a 1:500 scale, and collaborate with the Department of Planning and Investment to provide project lists and planning information for the themed parks outlined in the Hanoi Master Plan. This aims to attract investment in compliance with regulations and coordinate with the Hanoi Institute of Construction Planning to update the locations, sizes, and characteristics of proposed parks for adjustments in the Capital Construction Master Plan to 2045, with a vision to 2065.

Following these directives, on March 21, 2024, the Department of Planning and Architecture issued a document urging districts and Son Tay Town to quickly prepare 1:500 scale detailed plans for 32 parks. It also requested the Department of Planning and Investment to list 12 theme parks for investment mobilization under the socialization approach.

Additionally, the Hanoi Institute of Construction Planning was tasked with collaborating with the National Institute of Urban and Rural Planning to update the locations, sizes, and characteristics of 16 theme parks previously approved by the city under Document No. 2183/VP-DT dated February 28, 2024. These 16 parks, converted from green spaces into themed parks, include several in Bac Tu Liem District, such as recreational parks and botanical gardens, and combined cultural, recreational, and historical themes in various wards.

Other proposed parks are located in Long Bien District, Dan Phuong District, Dong Anh District, and Gia Lam District, with diverse functions such as sports, urban cultural activities, and historical preservation.

Hanoi residents will look forward to an expanded system of public green spaces in the near future. To realize this plan, Pham Hoang Phuong, a master architect from the National Institute of Architecture under the Ministry of Construction, stressed the importance of upgrading, renovating, and systematically building parks and green spaces, particularly in Hanoi’s central areas.

“Given the diverse locations, types, and functions of these spaces, completing the plan requires a strong commitment from both local authorities and residents, as well as a scientific and methodical approach,” said Phuong.

Above all, developing green and theme parks in Hanoi must adhere to the approved master plans, including the Hanoi Capital Master Plan to 2030 with a vision to 2050, alongside recently approved sub-regional plans and future-oriented strategies.