RK Shih/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The former Kaohsiung Golf Course (高雄高爾夫球場), reclaimed by the city government last year following controversies over illegal pesticide use, has been transformed into Guoling Nature Park (果嶺自然公園), a free green space now officially opened to the public.
The Parks and Street Lights Office (公園處) emphasized that pets are prohibited to avoid waste pollution and disturbance to birds. Cars, bicycles, barbecuing, and fireworks are also banned to maintain tranquility. Violators may be fined NT$1,500 to NT$9,000 under the Kaohsiung Park Management Ordinance (高雄市公園管理自治條例).
Officials said the city hopes residents will embrace the park’s new identity as a quiet, eco-friendly green space, prioritizing biodiversity and public education over recreation that disrupts nature.
UDN reports that the park spans nearly 70 hectares and retains much of the original landscape — rolling hills, ponds, and grasslands — with 7.2 kilometers of walking trails. Designed with a low-intervention approach, the park features simple facilities, including benches made from trees felled by last year’s typhoon.
To preserve the ecosystem and protect water quality, several restrictions apply: karaoke, baseball, and golf are prohibited; the park is closed at night; and overnight parking is not allowed. Violators may face fines of up to NT$9,000 under city regulations.
The site lies within a protected water source area. According to surveys by the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society (高雄鳥會), more than 90 bird species inhabit the park, including rare and protected raptors such as the Crested Serpent Eagle (大冠鷲) and Crested Goshawk (鳳頭蒼鷹).
Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said the newly opened park, which connects with Shuanghu Park (雙湖公園) and Chengcing Lake (澄清湖), now forms a green corridor of nearly 400 hectares. The area hosts a rich variety of birds, wildlife, and tree species, and will serve as a major site for environmental education. Addressing public calls to set aside part of the park for golf training, Chen was firm: “There are no such plans at this time.”
Local resident Mr. Wang (王姓市民) said while it’s a pity the park is closed at night and dogs are not allowed, his family appreciates having a large open lawn to relax on weekends and supports the park’s transformation into a nature reserve.