A side view of the pocket park in Taizhou. [Photo/the official news website of Taizhou]

During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province completed the renovation of 207 pocket parks, increasing green space by 98.18 hectares. By the end of 2024, the city's per capita park green space reached 16.61 square meters.

On the morning of Dec 12, Zhou Guanfang, head of the park maintenance team at Hehe Park, led a team of over a dozen caretakers in overseeing maintenance work at several parks.

These pocket parks, scattered across the city, not only fill urban green gaps but also bring nature closer to residents' daily lives. In Jiaojiang district, more than 300 caretakers are behind this transformation, handling pruning, watering, pest control, and other maintenance tasks.

Pocket parks, with their small size and multifunctional designs, require meticulous care. From plant safety in children's areas to durable grass in play zones, every detail is considered.

As these parks blend nature, culture, and communal spaces, they are transforming the city's urban dynamics, especially for younger generations who enjoy skate parks and social spaces. Zhou is proud to see how these pocket parks are changing the city's landscape, offering residents both aesthetic and emotional value.