The city will renovate 34 parks, including the Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai Botanical Garden and Changfeng Park, in time for World Expo 2010.

The city and local governments have invested 300 million yuan (US$43.91 million) in the renovation, according to the Shanghai Greenery Administrative Bureau and Shanghai City Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Administration Bureau.

Renovation is in full swing at eight parks, three of which will be completed by the end of the year. Another seven parks are undergoing a preparation phase.

Cui Liping, an official from Shanghai Greenery Administrative Bureau and City Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Administration Bureau, said the renovation list included community parks such as Gongnong Park, Songhe Park, Pingliang Park and Minxing Park.

"The community parks might be unknown to many and cover areas of only 10,000 to 30,000 square meters, but they act as an oasis for residents around them," Cui said. Changfeng Park, with a history of more than half a century, will be expanded south by 46,000 square meters, increasing the park by 13 percent in area. When the update is complete, visitors will be able to walk along it directly to Suzhou Creek.

The renovation at Shanghai Zoo will focus on cage reconstruction. Steel cages at the park will be turned into ecological homes for animals with no obstacles for viewing by visitors.

The zoo will have its infrastructure overhauled and will have updated facilities for residents to do morning exercises and recreation.

The renovation work at community parks will be highlighted by more green space and personalized services, Cui said.

"The benches at old parks are made of iron which feel freezing in winter and hot in summer. We are planning to make them into wooden ones," Cui said.

Environmentally friendly concepts will be applied in the park makeovers, including energy-saving lights and a rainwater collection system to be used to irrigate plants.

(Shanghai Daily November 24, 2008)