The 2-28 Memorial Peace Park

There are many tranquil places to visit in Taipei. Parks are a particular draw. People like being able to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. These clean, green havens are ideal for that.

An oasis of green in the city

There are a multitude of these verdant islands to choose from. They range from small parks hidden between buildings to massive metroparks. Some have only a bench or two. Others have ponds and temples. The large ones host concerts.

Center of the pond.

I have visited several, but a favorite of mine is the 2-28 Memorial Peace Park. I first discovered it after a visit to the doctor. I was looking for the ubike stand when I found the park instead.

An art memorial

The shade was a welcome relief on a sweltering day. The breeze spread out through the park cooled me as I looked around. It had the usual assortment of statues and trees with plaques. More interesting was the tall temple at the center of a man made pond with a bridge reaching across the expanse. Pagodas peppered the area to provide shady places for people to sit and relax or talk. At the far end from where I entered were a few pieces of modern art.

Birds were abundant. I watched keenly as they stalked the grass for prey. Squirrels sprinted through the trees, largely ignoring those of us trapped on stony ground. They are not above trying to look cute for some food. I was delighted to find turtles floating in the pond until I realized they were likely abandoned pets. Someone had kindly placed a small raft for them to climb out on and sun themselves though.

I returned at another time when my mind was in turmoil. It boiled with the fears and aggrevations that griped me tight. Resting on a stone bench that had been warmed by the sun was a great way to let go of my troubles. My mind turned to the turtles in the water as I bordered on the edge of passing out.

Turtle, turtle turtle...

Another time I went there late in the evening with a good friend after dinner. She had been a bit nervous because the place is suppose to be a gay cruising ground. I do not know why though. I am the one that would have gotten hit on. We apparently arrived early enough to avoid that. Instead we sat at a quiet pagoda to chat, exchange teaching tips, and practice language exchange.

Each time I return there seems to be a little bit more for me to see. I still have not yet fully explored the park, even though it is not huge. I find myself always finding some place quiet to sit and think instead. There is a history museum at one end that I still need to visit. I need to look closer at the art and some of the historical points around the park.

Such a peaceful place, but with such a violent history. The park was constructed as a memorial to the February 28th Massacre.  On that dread day of February 2nd, 1947 the KMT had soldiers open fire on protesters in a bloody crackdown. This was the start of official martial law as thousands were killed.

The park is a reminder of that dark day. Such a stark contrast makes it hard to decide how to feel about it. I choose, perhaps only as an outsider truly can, to focus on the peace aspect. What happened cannot be the only thing that defines such a park. It is not only a memorial, but also a legacy. From tragedy came a modern democratic nation.

Parks are good for bird watching