On the evening of February 12, the city officially inaugurated Ly Thai To Park (in Vuon Lai Ward) with a total investment of over VND263 billion. The project was carried out under the directive of the city’s Party Committee and People’s Committee to “transform vacant land into public parks,” completed just in time for the Lunar New Year of the Horse.

Attending the ceremony were Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee Tran Luu Quang, Standing Deputy Secretary Le Quoc Phong, Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in HCMC Nguyen Phuoc Loc, and representatives of city agencies and organizations.

A park of remembrance and renewal

Ly Thai To Park is not only a memorial space for Covid-19 victims but also one of nine major urban projects embodying HCMC’s strategy to make green and communal spaces central to its new phase of metropolitan development.

The 4.3-hectare site in the heart of the city-long left abandoned-has now been revitalized, symbolizing the city’s determination to return land to the people and foster a sustainable, compassionate environment.

In his speech, Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc recalled the sacrifices and losses of the pandemic with moments of silence honoring those who passed. “Their sacrifice has become a monument not built of stone, but of the gratitude held by millions of citizens,” he said.

According to him, the park carries three messages: Resilience, because life always finds a way to bloom again, even on the soil of grief. Humanity and solidarity, because compassion carried the city through its darkest hours. And hope for the future, because this city is built not only from concrete but also from empathy and kindness.

Design of symbolism and harmony

The VND263 billion project was entirely funded by Sun Group through socialized investment. Renowned domestic and international design firms were invited to ensure aesthetic, technical, and emotional depth.

Construction was completed “at lightning speed” within 90 days, aligning with the year-end season of remembrance and gratitude in Vietnamese tradition.

At the park’s central square stands the “Drop of Water” monument, built four meters below ground level, with the excavated soil reshaped into surrounding green hills symbolizing balance between yin and yang. The stainless-steel monument measures six meters high and 13 meters in circumference.

Inside the drop lies a heart-a symbol of love and remembrance. The mirrored surface reflects visitors’ images, conveying the message: “Pain does not belong to one person; it is a shared memory held by an entire community in love and empathy.”

Surrounding the monument are nine steps and 360 water-lit candles. At night, the flickering glow of 360 candles and nearly 1,000 light points across the square create a serene sea of light, honoring those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

All ancient trees within the park have been preserved, and the old villas repurposed into exhibition and library spaces. Additional open areas are designed for sports, community gatherings, and art events-turning the park into a destination for relaxation, healing, and cultural exchange for generations to come.

Beyond a beautification project, Ly Thai To Park reflects HCMC’s long-term vision: developing a modern city in harmony with green space, preserving memory while fostering growth, and building a dynamic yet compassionate metropolis that places people at its heart.

Nguyen Hue - Quoc Ngoc