有看過美國影劇六人行或譯作老友記 (Friends) 的朋友可能會對於劇中角色們常常聚會的中央公園咖啡館印象深刻，咖啡店的店名和美國紐約知名地標-中央公園，有著一字之差，是故意讓人們聯想到那個紐約市的都市之肺-中央公園，其文化地位和影響力使它成為世界城市公園的典範。
而台中市是座歷史久遠的大城市，有著還算多的綠地，台中公園可能不是最大的公園，但卻是歷史最悠久的公園，它於日治時期所創立，是座擁有百年歷史的城市綠洲，位於台中市的中心地帶，是喧囂城市裡的一片寧靜。
朋友說，到台中公園一定要看看湖心亭，光看字義，就知道它是一座位在湖中間的涼亭，不過別小看它，它可是台中市市定古蹟，它原本是為配合日本閑院宮載仁親王，於1908年時到台中市舉行通車典禮，所建的休憩場所，載仁親王很中意這座別具風味的場所，之後由於載仁親王的宣傳後，它的聲名大噪，而湖心亭也因此被指定為永久紀念物。
除了湖心亭之外，台中公園還有著不少古蹟及紀念物，而最吸引我注意的是一座山羊狀的雕像，矗立草皮上，我本來以為是裝置藝術，其實它是2003年燈會的主燈，那年是十二生肖的羊年，在燈會結束後，保存在台中公園，而於12年後，於2015年再次作為燈會主燈，ESG永續最近是很熱門的話題，沒想到那時候就已經在實作永續的精神。
Anyone who’s watched the American sitcom Friends might remember the iconic coffee shop, Central Perk, where the characters often gathered. The name "Central Perk" is a clever play on words, referencing New York City’s famous landmark, Central Park. Known as the "lungs of the city", Central Park’s cultural significance and influence have made it a global model for urban parks.
Similarly, Taichung City, with its rich history, boasts a fair share of green spaces. Among them, Taichung Park might not be the largest, but it’s definitely the oldest. Established during the Japanese colonial era, this park has over a century of history. Located in the heart of Taichung, it’s a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
A friend of mine insisted that I check out the iconic Lake Pavilion when visiting Taichung Park. Just from the name, you can tell it’s a pavilion situated in the middle of a lake. But don’t underestimate its significance—it’s actually a designated historical monument. Built in 1908 to welcome Japanese Prince Kan’in Kotohito during the railway inauguration ceremony, the pavilion quickly became a favorite spot of the prince. Thanks to his admiration and subsequent promotion of the site, the Lake Pavilion gained widespread fame and was designated as a permanent memorial.
Beyond the Lake Pavilion, Taichung Park is home to several other historical landmarks and monuments. What caught my attention the most, however, was a goat-shaped statue standing on the grass. At first, I thought it was some kind of modern art installation. It turns out this statue was the centerpiece of the 2003 Lantern Festival, which coincided with the Year of the Goat in the Chinese zodiac. After the festival, it was preserved in Taichung Park and even reused as the main lantern 12 years later in 2015. With all the talk about ESG and sustainability these days, it’s amazing to see how the concept of reuse was already being practiced back then!