Wei Jun Proposes Renaming of Zhongzheng Park to Zhongli Central Park to Eliminate Authoritarian Symbols

The Taoyuan City Government has invested over NT$1 billion in the renovation of the underground parking lot and event center at Zhongzheng Park in Zhongli District, which is slated for completion this April. Democratic Progressive Party councilor Wei Jun suggests that the city government recognize the connection between place names and historical memories by renaming "Zhongzheng Park" to "Zhongli Central Park," highlighting its geographical significance and eliminating authoritarian symbols.
Wei argues that the name Zhongzheng Park is widely used across Taoyuan, including places like Daxi and Guishan, leading to confusion. Additionally, the name Zhongzheng Park in Zhongli has little connection to the area and lacks a memorable significance. She points out that while there are Zhongzheng Street and Zhongzheng Elementary School near Nei-Li Station, the park is not located on Zhongzheng Road or near Zhongzheng Lane, but rather in Central Village.
Furthermore, she notes that the park was originally named Central Park before becoming Zhongzheng Park approximately half a century ago. Since the underground parking lot is still under renovation, she believes that changing the name now would not incur unnecessary administrative costs. Wei encourages the city government to follow the example of New York's Central Park and rename it Zhongli Central Park, emphasizing the park's location in Central Village. This change would not only have cultural significance but also help foster local identity.
In response, Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng stated that any name change requires widespread public consensus, and the city government will not act hastily without gaining sufficient agreement from various sectors of society. Central Village chief Yang Wan-bei expressed concerns that renaming Zhongzheng Park to Zhongli Central Park may cause naming conflicts due to an existing Central Park near Zhongli Railway Station.