這個小池塘，我路過很多次，還不知道它有個優美的名字，叫做忘憂湖，其實我常常來去匆匆，根本沒時間放慢腳步，欣賞湖光樹影、感受四季變化，直到某天午餐時間，室內座位都坐滿了，我只好跑到這裡找位置坐下來吃飯，運氣不錯，找到一個座位，才有機會仔細打量這個池塘，之前就注意到池塘內有不少水鳥，仔細一算，有天鵝、鴨子、鴛鴦及一些不知名水鳥悠遊其間，初估有二十來隻，看來生態豐富，也為這片寧靜的空間，增添幾分生氣及人氣。
湖畔旁還有販賣機，販售專用飼料，只要投幣就可以體驗餵食魚鳥的快感，有不少小朋友拿著零錢，買些飼料，然後蹦蹦跳跳地跑去湖畔旁餵食，他們一把飼料撒下，池塘內的各種動物紛紛爭食，好不熱鬧，偷聽旁邊的人提到，之前很多人都拿麵包、餅乾、吐司來餵食，結果，造成水質優氧化及污染，現在只允許用專用飼料餵食，不聽不知道，我小時候也曾經用吐司餵食過某座池塘的魚，小小體驗一把，沒想到這種作法會污染水源。
而忘憂湖最特別的地方，在於，它位於醫院之中，對許多正在接受治療的病患而言，只要走出病房，來到湖邊坐一會兒，心情便會不自覺地放鬆許多，對陪伴病患的家屬來說，也有地方可以短暫釋放一下壓力，對於附近的住戶，也可偶爾到湖邊散步幾分鐘，轉換心情，難怪，它會取名為忘憂湖，此外，水源非來自來水，是取自於院內大樓使用過後的空調冷卻水，再放流至湖中，實現兩次回收再利用，兼顧環保與生態意義，對我而言，倒是找到一個可以放鬆吃東西的好地點。
I've walked past this little pond countless times, but I never knew it had such a beautiful name—Worry-Free Lake. Honestly, I'm usually in too much of a hurry to slow down and enjoy the scenery or appreciate how it changes with the seasons. That changed one day at lunchtime. All the indoor seats were taken, so I headed outside and luckily found an empty bench by the lake. It turned out to be the perfect chance to really take a good look around. I'd noticed before that there were quite a few water birds in the pond, but this time I actually counted them. There were swans, ducks, mandarin ducks, and several other birds I couldn't identify. I estimated there were around twenty birds in total. The rich wildlife brings plenty of life and energy to this peaceful little spot.
There's also a vending machine by the lake that sells special bird and fish feed. Just insert a coin, and you can enjoy feeding the animals. I saw quite a few kids buying feed, then happily running over to the water's edge. As soon as they scattered the feed, the birds and fish rushed over, creating a lively scene. I overheard someone nearby mentioning that people used to feed the animals with bread, crackers, and toast. Unfortunately, that ended up polluting the water and causing excessive algae growth, so now only the specially made feed is allowed. That was news to me. When I was a kid, I remember feeding fish in a pond with slices of bread, too. It was fun at the time, but I never realized it could actually harm the water quality.
What makes Worry-Free Lake especially unique is that it's located right inside a hospital. For patients receiving treatment, simply stepping outside and sitting by the lake for a while can help them relax and clear their minds. Family members caring for loved ones can also take a short break here to relieve some of their stress. Even nearby residents often come by for a peaceful walk and a change of pace. It's easy to see why it's called Worry-Free Lake.
Another interesting fact is that the lake isn't filled with tap water. Instead, it's supplied with recycled cooling water from the hospital's air-conditioning system. After being used in the buildings, the water is redirected into the lake, giving it a second life. It's a great example of recycling that supports both environmental sustainability and the local ecosystem. As for me, I've simply discovered a wonderful new place to relax and enjoy my lunch.
