elevated Fitness: Xiamen Unveils Rooftop recreation Spaces
Xiamen is taking urban fitness to new heights,literally. Two innovative “air” fitness venues, perched atop teh gaoqi and Qianpu water purification plants, have opened their doors to the public. This initiative,spearheaded by the Xiamen Municipal Garden Bureau,not onyl expands recreational opportunities for residents but also showcases a forward-thinking approach to urban green space utilization.
The “Gulou Yuedong Park” at the Qianpu plant boasts an notable array of facilities, including six sports fields (two seven-a-side football fields, two five-a-side football fields, and two basketball courts), a 600-meter circular running track, and citizen fitness equipment. Designed with a rooftop garden aesthetic, the park offers panoramic views, transforming it into a unique destination for sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This project successfully transforms the “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) effect into a community benefit, fostering a harmonious coexistence between industrial operations and ecological spaces.
Meanwhile, the Gaoqi plant’s “Huayu·yuehai Garden” expands upon an existing five-hectare rooftop garden. Embracing the coastal and aviation themes of its location, the park features an outdoor sea-viewing platform, an aircraft observation platform, a basketball court, and more. This diverse space caters to families, leisure seekers, sports enthusiasts, and those interested in environmental education.
Adding to the appeal, both Gulou·Yuedong Garden and Huayu·Yuehai Garden offer free admission. While Gulou·Yuedong Park’s citizen activity area is open to the public, its sports competition areas require reservations and a nominal fee. Huayu·Yuehai Park is open daily until 9 pm, with free entry for all visitors.
By February 2025,both parks are expected to integrate with the “Xiamen iFitness” system,streamlining reservation processes. Currently, Gulou·yuedong Park allows real-name reservations through the “Xiamen i Fitness” applet and online stadium bookings via the “Ai Sports” applet or App. Huayu Yuehai Garden utilizes the “Xiamen iFitness” applet for real-name reservations for park entry and basketball court usage.These innovative rooftop fitness venues exemplify Xiamen’s commitment to creating vibrant, accessible, and sustainable urban spaces. As cities worldwide grapple with limited land resources, xiamen’s approach offers a compelling model for maximizing existing infrastructure and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Reaching New Heights: An Interview with Olympic Swimmer, Sarah Jones, on Xiamen’s Rooftop Recreation
Xiamen, a coastal city in China, is making waves – adn not just on the ocean. They’ve taken urban fitness to a whole new level, quite literally, by opening two innovative “air” fitness venues atop water purification plants. Today, we’re joined by Olympic swimmer Sarah Jones to discuss these groundbreaking rooftop recreation spaces. Welcome,Sarah!
Sarah: Thanks for having me! It’s exciting to see cities embracing such creative solutions for public wellness.
Moderator: Absolutely! Xiamen’s “Gulou Yuedong Park” and “Huayu·Yuehai garden”, perched atop the Qianpu and Gaoqi plants respectively, offer a unique blend of sports facilities, green spaces, and stunning views. What are your initial thoughts on this innovative use of existing infrastructure?
Sarah: I think it’s fantastic. We’re constantly battling to create more green spaces and accessible fitness options, especially in densely populated areas. Using the rooftops of existing structures is a brilliant way to address both those needs simultaneously. Plus, adding facilities like basketball courts, running tracks, and even football fields on these rooftops is a win-win for everyone.
Moderator: You mentioned accessibility, and that’s definitely a key point. Both parks offer free entry, with some reservation-based areas for sports competitions.Do you believe this democratizes access to fitness and recreation, notably in a city like Xiamen?
Sarah: Absolutely. Cost is frequently enough a barrier to entry for fitness. These parks,by offering free access to the majority of their facilities,are removing that barrier for a lot of people. It encourages a more inclusive approach to fitness, allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy these spaces.
Moderator: There’s been some discussion about the “NIMBY” effect – the “Not In My Backyard” mentality sometimes directed at industrial facilities. Do you think these dynamic rooftop spaces could effectively counter that effect, transforming these areas into community assets?
Sarah: I think so.when you associate these industrial sites with something positive, like public recreation and green spaces, you change the entire narrative. People see the value added to their community, leading to a greater sense of ownership and pride.
Moderator: Now, let’s delve into the specifics. “Gulou Yuedong Park” boasts six sports fields, including football and basketball courts, a running track, and citizen fitness equipment. It’s remarkable! The coastal-themed “Huayu·Yuehai Garden”, with its sea-viewing platform and aircraft observation deck, seems geared towards a wider audience, not just athletes.
Sarah: exactly! Variety is key. You need to cater to different interests and fitness levels. Having options like basketball courts,football fields,and even leisurely walking paths makes these spaces welcoming for families,individuals,and senior citizens,not just dedicated athletes.
Moderator: Xiamen is integrating these parks into its “Xiamen iFitness” system for online reservations and bookings. How crucial is technology in managing these increasingly popular urban recreation spaces?
Sarah: Technology plays a vital role. It streamlines the reservation process, ensures accessibility, and allows the city to manage capacity effectively. These parks are likely to be highly sought after, so having an efficient online system will greatly benefit both visitors and administrators.
moderator: Xiamen’s model is being praised for its lasting approach. Transforming underutilized space on existing structures reduces urban sprawl and promotes eco-consciousness. What message do you think this sends to other cities grappling with space constraints and the need for healthy living initiatives?
Sarah: I think it’s a powerful message.It says that we don’t have to choose between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Creative solutions like this show that we can build vibrant, healthy, and accessible cities, even in densely populated areas.Hopefully, other cities will follow Xiamen’s lead and explore innovative ways to make fitness and recreation a priority for their citizens.
Moderator: Thank you for sharing your insightful perspective, Sarah.
Sarah: My pleasure! I hope these rooftop parks inspire others to think creatively about urban spaces.
now, we want to here from you! What are your thoughts on Xiamen’s innovative approach? Do you think this model could work in other cities around the world? Share your comments below!
