Changsha Transforms Under-Bridge Spaces into Thriving Sports Hubs, Turning Neglected Areas into Community fitness hotspots
Creating New Fitness Destinations: The Rise of ”Star City Sports Parks”
Children enjoy the play area at the Dongfeng Road Under-Bridge Sports Park. Photo by Changsha Evening News reporter Yu Shaojie
Changsha Evening News reporter Zhao Ziming
While vehicles zoomed overhead on the Dongfeng Road Overpass, the space beneath buzzed with activity.residents from nearby neighborhoods gathered to play basketball, badminton, and even square dance, transforming the area into a vibrant community sports hub. Similar scenes are now common under other viaducts, such as the xiangfu Road Bridge (west), Sifangping Qinglian Theme Park, and Tongmu Village Viaduct in Lianhua Town.
Onc overlooked and underutilized,these under-bridge spaces have become a solution to the city’s growing demand for accessible fitness areas. in 2024, changsha launched an innovative initiative to repurpose these spaces, completing seven under-bridge sports facilities. This dual-purpose approach not only revitalizes neglected areas but also addresses the shortage of public fitness resources, turning “forgotten corners” into valuable community assets.
The change of these spaces reflects Changsha’s commitment to promoting national fitness and meeting the public’s desire for accessible recreational areas.
The Dongfeng Road Overpass, constructed in 1993, sits at the intersection of Dongfeng Road and Trinity Avenue.For years, the space beneath the south bridge served as a parking lot and storage area for municipal supplies. Surrounded by older residential neighborhoods, the area lacked adequate sports and recreational facilities.
In October of last year, the Changsha Municipal Sports Bureau and Kaifu District Government invested 3.9 million yuan to redevelop the space. Within months, a sprawling 9,000-square-meter sports park emerged, featuring a 3,240-square-meter sports area. The park includes three half-court basketball courts, two multi-purpose sports fields (suitable for volleyball), two standard badminton courts, a children’s play zone, and a square dance area.
Visitors entering from the south are greeted by a vibrant parent-child play area, where children enjoy locomotive-shaped slides and seesaws. Further in,the courts and fields are alive with activity,as residents engage in amiable matches and group exercises. Since its opening, the park has become a beloved destination for locals.
Mr. Chen, a resident of Jianxiang Xincun Community, shared his enthusiasm: “Before, we only had limited space to exercise in our community. Now, this park is just a short walk away. The facilities are top-notch, making it so much easier to stay active.”
“It’s such a convenient and enjoyable space,” shared Ms.Li, a resident of the Bauhinia Garden community. Since the park’s completion, taking her children there to play and exercise has become a cherished routine for her and her neighbors. “The kids absolutely love it and can spend hours here without getting bored,” she added with a smile.
Another remarkable transformation is the Xuxingcun Highway Bridge Sports Park in muyun Street, Tianxin District. Once a neglected and abandoned area, it has now been revitalized as part of the city’s key initiatives to enhance public fitness facilities. Through collaborative efforts at the urban level, the park now boasts a 1,000-square-meter space featuring a 5-a-side football field, a 500-square-meter basketball court, a 350-square-meter multi-purpose sports field, and eight table tennis tables. This revitalized space has become a go-to destination for locals to stay active and healthy.
Revitalizing Urban Spaces: The Frist Batch of Bridge Sports Facilities
For years, the spaces beneath viaducts and overpasses were underutilized and poorly managed. Issues like unclear ownership, high maintenance costs, and environmental neglect led to these areas becoming eyesores and safety hazards. These “hidden corners” not only disrupted the lives of nearby residents but also tarnished the city’s overall image. Recognizing this, urban planners have prioritized the scientific utilization and management of these spaces as a key aspect of modern city governance.
In December 2023, the Provincial Party Committee’s Audit Committee highlighted in its report on urban public space utilization in Changsha that the city’s under-bridge spaces were underused and lacked sports facilities.the report recommended enhancing these areas by integrating fitness, tourism, leisure, and municipal infrastructure into a cohesive model.
A New Vision for Urban Fitness Spaces
By January 2024, the municipal government had launched a special initiative to develop sports facilities under bridges. A extensive survey of these spaces was conducted, and officials visited cities like Hangzhou and Wenzhou to study best practices.Collaborating with the Changsha Municipal Natural Resources and Planning Bureau, the Urban Management Bureau, and the Sports Bureau, the city identified 237 viaducts, with 17 selected as pilot sites for sports facility renovations.
The renovation process emphasizes versatility and adaptability. “Cleanliness, order, and functionality are the foundation,” explained a representative from the Municipal Sports Bureau’s Mass Sports Department. “Once the basic improvements are made, we’ll refine the spaces based on community needs and functional goals.”
A Model Transformation: The Dongfeng Road Bridge Sports Park
The Dongfeng Road Bridge Sports park in Kaifu District serves as a prime example of this initiative. A dedicated working group, including urban management, community leaders, designers, and construction teams, was formed to oversee the project. The space was thoughtfully divided into zones for sports, leisure, events, and parking. Enhancements included beautifying the bridge’s underside and piers, installing sports and children’s play equipment, and adding cultural exhibits showcasing Changsha’s heritage.
the remaining projects under the first batch of bridge sports facilities are now part of the national fitness venue advancement plan. Slated for completion this year, these spaces will feature badminton courts, table tennis tables, and more, offering residents even more opportunities to stay active and engaged.
the city is witnessing a significant expansion in sports and fitness infrastructure, with plans to add over 275,000 square meters of facilities, including football fields, basketball courts, multi-purpose sports venues, five-a-side pitches, children’s play areas, and spaces for chess and card games. This growth reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public access to recreational and fitness opportunities.
Changsha is reimagining underutilized urban spaces to meet the growing demand for fitness facilities.By transforming areas such as underpasses, rooftops, and riverbanks into vibrant sports hubs, the city is addressing the challenge of limited fitness spaces. These efforts are part of a larger strategy that integrates rural revitalization, urban renewal, and community development to create accessible, high-quality sports environments tailored to residents’ needs.
in 2024, Changsha launched the “National Fitness Venue and Facilities Improvement Action Plan (2024-2025)” to establish itself as a national model for sports and fitness. Key projects include the development of sports facilities under seven bridges, such as the Xiangfu Road Bridge and Huahou Road Liuyang River Bridge, as well as the construction of parks like Sifangping Qinglian Theme Park. Additionally, the city has introduced 36 smart community fitness centers, 89 outdoor sports fields, and 75 community football facilities.Private investments have also contributed to projects like Yanghu sports Park (Phase II) and Longping Seed Silicon valley Sports Park, with plans to develop the Yuchihe National Fitness Center and Chima Lake Sports park, backed by a budget exceeding 500 million yuan.
By mid-December 2024,Changsha had surpassed its initial target of 4.8 million square meters, adding over 6.7 million square meters of sports venues. The total area dedicated to sports facilities now stands at 35.07 million square meters, with per capita space increasing from 2.77 square meters in 2023 to 3.4 square meters. this growth underscores the city’s dedication to fostering a healthier, more active population.
Residents are already reaping the benefits of these initiatives. For instance, the newly constructed table tennis courts in Heyetang Community have become a nightly hotspot, with all six tables consistently occupied.Similarly, the smart fitness center in Wanxiang Xintian Community, covering 166 square meters, has been praised for its affordability and convenience. As one resident noted, “Exercising in our own community is not only cost-effective but also fits seamlessly into our daily routines.”
The city’s landscape is now dotted with multi-functional sports fields, walking trails, and state-of-the-art fitness centers. These facilities, designed with community accessibility in mind, are bringing high-quality fitness resources closer to residents. By setting rigorous standards for venue construction and management, Changsha is ensuring that its citizens can enjoy diverse, intelligent, and convenient fitness options right in their neighborhoods.
According to an official from the Municipal sports Bureau’s Group Department, the city is set to prioritize the development of public sports infrastructure by 2025. By the end of that year, the number of smart community fitness centers is projected to grow to 400, with a significant portion incorporating initiatives like “national football programs in local communities and parks.” Additionally, less than 60% of these centers will meet specific criteria, ensuring accessibility and quality for residents. Local districts and counties are also encouraged to take the led in constructing diverse recreational facilities, including fitness trails, aquatic sports venues, national football parks, and innovative space sports installations under bridges, in alignment with official guidelines. To support these efforts, the city will provide financial assistance under the “Changsha National Fitness Venues and facilities Construction Subsidy Measures.”
Source: Changsha Evening News
(First review: Jiang yu; Second review: Deng Wangjun; Third review: Jiang Yuqing)
