For more than 40 years, Jhongjheng Stadium (中正運動場) was a Kaohsiung landmark, and longtime locals might remember it as the unexpected venue for a surprise Michael Jackson concert back in 1996. Now, after a three-year transformation, the site has reopened with a whole new look and a new name: Kaohsiung Highline Park. But this isn’t just a new coat of paint. The redesign completely reimagines the space. Following a “less is more” philosophy, nearly two-thirds of the old seating was removed — and instead of tossing out all that concrete, it was reused in a clever, eco-conscious way. The broken pieces were stacked into wire cages called gabion walls, which now serve as part of the landscaping. They help with drainage, look surprisingly modern, and give new purpose to the stadium’s old bones.
The park now feels brighter, greener, and more open — a space that’s just as inviting as it is sustainable.
A highlight of the new layout is a 600-meter-long elevated walkway, surrounded by tall rain trees and lush greenery. It’s perfect for a shady afternoon stroll or jog, and at night, subtle lighting gives the path a calm, scenic glow. But, there’s also a skateboard park for those who want something a bit more exciting
Getting there is easy — it’s just a short walk from the MRT. The park also includes an international-standard 400-meter track, basketball and badminton courts, and is connected to the nearby Lingya Sports Center苓雅運動園區.
As more shops and restaurants pop up around the area, the newly transformed Highline Park is set to become a vibrant hangout for the whole community — a space to move, unwind, and enjoy Kaohsiung’s evolving cityscape.
Info via the KH City Govt/AmCham Kaohsiung English News. Cover photo via CNA.
