By KHT Staff
PINGTUNG — Pingtung County has officially inaugurated Balu Park (巴轆公園) in Jiuru Township (九如鄉), a flagship inclusive playground costing nearly NT$120 million.
The park design is a tribute to the region’s historical identity as a major tobacco-producing hub in Southern Taiwan. Instead of promoting smoking, the playground features innovative climbing structures shaped like giant tobacco leaves and play areas modeled after traditional tobacco drying sheds (菸樓), which are iconic architectural landmarks in the area.
County officials emphasized that the park serves as an educational bridge, allowing younger generations to explore the township’s farming history through safe, inclusive play. The project has transformed a local open space into a community centerpiece that honors the labor and culture of the past while providing modern, high-quality recreational facilities for families across Pingtung and Kaohsiung.
Source: Liberty Times
