Establishing public open spaces

The province’s network of parks and squares is being “re-developed” to form public open spaces that better meet people's needs for leisure, entertainment, and cultural enjoyment. At the same time, these efforts contribute to shaping a green, modern, civilized, compassionate, and livable urban landscape.

The removal of the fences at Bien Hung Park has helped create an open space that connects the park with surrounding urban roads. Photo: Pham Tung

Shaping open spaces

Since late 2022, Bien Hung Park, located in the center of Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province, has undergone renovation. A key part of the project was the removal of fences that had separated the park from 30-4 Street and Hung Dao Vuong Street. By early 2023, the renovation was officially completed, creating an open space that links the park with surrounding urban roads.

In mid-April 2025, the fence that separated the Provincial Conference Center (Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province) from Nguyen Ai Quoc Street was dismantled. Similar to Bien Hung Park, the removal of the fence created a connecting space between the Provincial Conference Center and Nguyen Ai Quoc Street.

Most recently, in August 2025, the People’s Committee of Tran Bien Ward, in coordination with the Sonadezi Corporation, began dismantling surrounding fences and upgrading Lam Son Park to create a community space that meets the needs of residents for recreation and physical exercise.

It is safe to say that in just a short time, the removal of fences around parks and squares has helped create more open public spaces that better meet the needs of residents in the locality.

Nguyen Thi Tu, a resident of Tran Bien ward, said that since the fences at Bien Hung Park were removed, people have felt “closer” to the park. Previously, visitors had to enter through the gate, but now it is much easier to access without the fences. This change has also encouraged more individuals to visit the park. Moreover, without the surrounding fences, the overall landscape now appears more open and spacious.

Tran Anh Minh, a resident of Tran Bien ward, stated that after the fences surrounding the Provincial Conference Center were removed, it became significantly more convenient for individuals wishing to walk or exercise there.

“Previously, to access the Provincial Conference Center, people had to enter through the main gate, which made them somewhat hesitant. Now, with several access points, it’s much easier and more comfortable to enter,” Minh remarked.

Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, Ho Van Ha, stated that the establishment of public open spaces will more effectively address the community's needs for entertainment, recreation, and physical exercise. Furthermore, the removal of fences that separate these areas also helps to foster a more modern and intimate urban appearance and space.

Enhancing enjoyment for the people

Currently, in addition to the parks and squares established as open spaces, Dong Nai province is also directing localities to implement the urban beautification program. One of the requirements is to create public open spaces to enhance enjoyment for the people.

Recently, Tran Bien ward has been coordinating with relevant agencies to execute plans for establishing Bien Hoa Ancient Citadel Square. Essentially, this plan ensures the complete preservation of the four original relics that have been recognized as national-level historical sites, without any intervention.

According to experts, public spaces encompass community living areas, parks, flower gardens, squares, and walking areas that are designed as open spaces featuring places for entertainment, relaxation, and recreation, catering to the cultural and spiritual needs of urban residents.

However, it is essential to note that in the plan to establish Bien Hoa Ancient Citadel Square, authorities have also proposed removing the two-story buildings at the front to create an open space, thereby linking the Citadel with Phan Chu Trinh Street. This initiative will establish a visual and spatial axis extending to the Dong Nai River, improving the landscape and sightlines from the river toward the city.

For the inner grounds of Bien Hoa Ancient Citadel, the plan suggests reorganizing the landscape by redesigning the park, creating parking areas and playgrounds, planting greenery, installing flagpoles, and implementing a lighting system. The goal is to establish a community space and open area, facilitating easier access for residents to the historical site.

In addition to establishing Bien Hoa Ancient Citadel Square, research is underway to develop Song Pho Square in Tran Bien ward into an open space with a pedestrian street, providing additional public areas for urban residents.

Khuong Nguyen Duc Chuong, Chairman of the Dong Nai Architects Association, assessed that the development of public open spaces is a crucial step toward beautifying the city, forming an urban environment that is modern, open, and close to the residents. This strategy better meets the public’s needs to enjoy these public spaces.

By Pham Tung – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho