Nature reclaims abandoned Hanoi park

The Phung Khoang retention basin park in Nam Tu Liem District, located next to To Huu Street, is surrounded by urban areas and apartments. The park spans over 11.8 ha, and is the second largest one of its kind in Nam Tu Liem, behind The Matrix One, which spans 14 ha.

The park, which began construction in October 2016, has still not been put into operation yet over land clearance issues. The site is now barricaded and the main entrances have been sealed. There are guards stationed at the site.

A fountain at the park remains unused and is covered with moss.

Weeds grow meters tall at the park. Several trees have also died, abandoned for years.

Small islets on the lake are full of weeds.

Nguyen Van Hy, who lives at a nearby apartment, says he feels sad whenever he looks out and sees that the park is barricaded.

"The people in the area don't have areas to play and do exercises, and such a big park is left abandoned," he said.

Metal fences have been erected around the park.

The Trung Van Ward People's Committee has proposed that the project’s main investor finish land clearance processes and complete certain infrastructures to put the park to use.

Since the end of 2023, Hanoi has opened certain parks that have long been abandoned, like the Do Nghia musical park and the Astronomy park. All of them are located in Ha Dong District.