Once envisioned as a green lung in the heart of the city, the Tuoi Tre Thu Do Park (in Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi) spans over 26 hectares and has been operational for over two decades. In November 2024, the district’s People’s Committee initiated the removal of the fence separating the park from Vo Thi Sau and Thanh Nhan streets. More than 600 meters of iron railing were taken down, along with improvements to the sidewalks, additional lighting, and flower plantings, creating an open space that seamlessly connects the park with its surroundings.
However, following the fence removal, the outer perimeter has seen an influx of motorbikes weaving through and cars mounting the pavement to enter the park. Inside, vehicles casually park and occupy pedestrian pathways. (Photos taken on the evening of June 18)
Residents exercising in the park face challenges as they constantly have to dodge motorbikes.
Mr. Pham Minh Phong (68 years old, Hai Ba Trung district), a regular exerciser at the park, shared that the park’s condition has deteriorated since the fence removal. “Despite being a park in the heart of the capital, this area is extremely untidy, with cars and motorbikes roaming freely and unleashed animals running amok. Whether it’s for leisure, strolling, or exercising, one always has to be vigilant to avoid potholes due to the damaged and uneven pathways,” Mr. Phong said.
Additionally, after Storm No. 3, the park was temporarily used to store fallen trees and branches, but they have not been cleared yet, detracting from the aesthetics and affecting the environment, as well as hindering residents’ use of the park.
Wood piled up in the park.
An area within the park has become neglected and a dumping ground for local waste.
The park frequently sees unleashed dogs without muzzles and free-roaming poultry.
It has been over two years since the illegal structures in Tuoi Tre Thu Do Park were demolished, but the illegal floating house has only been partially removed.
Fourteen structures, including the Spring House, Queen Bee Restaurant, swimming pool, and tennis court, which violated planning and permitting regulations, remain operational.
Despite being an illegal structure, people still play tennis and pickleball here daily.
Over nearly two decades of operation, the park has gone through several management changes. In March 2024, the Hanoi People’s Committee officially handed over the entire management of the park to the People’s Committee of Hai Ba Trung District to transform it into a public park that meets the community’s needs.
