Taipei City Government

The Taipei City Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO) announced the opening of the much-anticipated Guting Riverside Park Children's Playground. Located near the Gongguan Waterfront Plaza and Museum of Drinking Water, the newly completed playground draws inspiration from Guting's rich history as an important source of Taipei's water supply. The expansive riverside setting has been transformed into a playground inspired by the three states of water. Whether families come during the day for children to run, play, and burn off some energy, or couples take an evening stroll along the waterfront amid romantic lighting, the park offers Taipei residents a new destination for family outings and dates.

The HEO noted that the area around Guting Riverside Park once played an important role in supplying water to Taipei. Drawing on this historical connection, the HEO incorporated the familiar physical states of water, solid, liquid, and gas, into the design of the playground equipment and ground surfaces. Stepping into the playground is like entering a living picture book of science and nature, where children can experience the wonders of the natural world through running, jumping, and climbing.

The first feature visitors encounter is the Cloud Landscape Play Structure, representing water in its gaseous state. The structure features a soft, whimsical palette inspired by blue skies and white clouds, with varying shades of blue set against pure white landscape elements, as though clouds had drifted down from the sky and settled on the riverside lawn. Slides at different heights and woven rope nets create a multi-level play environment where children can move freely between the cloud-inspired structures and enjoy exploring at different heights.

Nearby is the Ripple Landscape Play Area, representing water in its liquid state. Colorful, durable safety surfacing forms concentric ripples across the ground, evoking the patterns created when a drop of water hits the surface. At the center of the ripples are three in-ground trampolines sure to delight young visitors. As children bounce up and down, their movements resemble splashes dancing across the rippling water, capturing the carefree energy of childhood.

The greatest physical challenge, however, comes from the Ice Crystal Climbing Frame, representing water in its solid state. Inspired by the geometric beauty of snowflakes and ice crystals, its silvery structure and angular lines shimmer with a cool brilliance beneath the summer sun. For adventurous and curious children, the climbing frame puts coordination and balance to the test as they use both hands and feet to navigate its intersecting structure. Every step upward presents a new challenge, with reaching the top bringing the confidence and satisfaction that make childhood adventures so memorable.

As the sun begins to set, the banks of the Xindian River are bathed in a warm golden glow. Parents and children can sit together on the terraced viewing steps, looking downstream over the shimmering river and changing clouds while enjoying the tranquility of sunset. After dark, the park takes on a romantic atmosphere. The well-known "Four Layers of Wishes" heart-shaped archway installation and globe lights across the lawn illuminate the riverside, creating a sparkling landscape beneath the night sky. Visitors can stroll along the park's pathways, with the peaceful river on one side and city lights on the other, leaving the urban bustle behind to enjoy the charm of Taipei's waterfront at night.

Residents can also plan a refreshing summer family outing combining two nearby attractions. During the day, families can cool off and enjoy the water attractions at the Museum of Drinking Water. Once the afternoon heat begins to ease, they can stroll along Siyuan Street, pass through the Gongguan Waterfront Plaza, and continue to the children's playground at Guting Riverside Park, where children can embark on a creative journey through the different states of water. This holiday, consider leaving the air conditioning and screens behind and spending time with the family along Guting's sunny riverbank. Amid the breeze and beautiful scenery, rediscover the simple sounds of children at play and create lasting family memories.