Proposal to Install a Dome House on Top of the Big Tree
"The Moms Free Zone at Daesang Park may look impressive on the outside, but in reality, it is an empty shell."
Son Taehwa, chairman of the Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam, made this remark on July 21 while inspecting the public contribution facilities at Daesang Park in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, about a month before their scheduled completion.
Son Taehwa, chairman of Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam (center), is inspecting the Moms Free Zone at Daesanggong Park and talking with the person in charge. Provided by Changwon City Council
Daesang Park, currently being developed as part of Changwon's private park development special project, will feature the 'Moms Free Zone,' a complex space for parents to rest, learn, play, and enjoy cultural activities.
With a project budget of 25 billion won, the 4,996-square-meter facility will include an open library, cafeteria, childcare center, children's playground, nature healing center, and air purification equipment.
Chairman Son pointed out, "With only about a month left until completion, there are still no parking spaces or facilities, and city bus access is inconvenient." He added, "Detailed plans for the interior facilities and operations must be prepared as soon as possible."
He also expressed concern, saying, "It could take tens of billions of won or even over 10 billion won, and anywhere from two to three years at the shortest, or four to five years at the longest, to fully equip the facility."
Son Taehwa, chairman of Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam (center), is inspecting the plan related to the creation of the big tree in Daesang Park. Provided by Changwon City Council
He went on to say that the large artificial tree sculpture, the 'Big Tree,' inside Daesang Park, "should have all of its upper artificial tree structures removed."
The Big Tree, modeled after the famous Supertree at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, is considered a core structure of Daesang Park and serves as an observation deck.
Originally, the plan was to spend 34.4 billion won to build a 60-meter-tall structure with a Jeongilpum artificial pine tree and observation deck on the upper level, and a meditation center and media facade on the lower level. However, after safety concerns were raised in April of last year, the 20-meter artificial tree on the upper level was excluded from the project.
As a result, citizens have expressed disappointment with the Big Tree, which now looks different from the original rendering of a large, leafy tree, and criticism has mounted, with some calling it an "eyesore."
Chairman Son stated, "We need to remove all of the artificial tree structures and secure the view as an observation deck," and added, "It would be better to build a dome house where people can enjoy views of Changwon and have conversations indoors."
After Daesang Park, Chairman Son also visited Sahwa Park, where 7.5 billion won is being invested to build an 18-hole park golf course.
At Sahwa Park, he pointed out issues such as poor landscaping and the lack of safety fences, and emphasized the need to gather expert opinions.
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