Regenerating Urban Green Space: From Botanical Garden to Green Heart in Zhoukou’s Park City Initiative

Abstract

Against the backdrop of urban-rural integration and the evolving Park City theory, urban green spaces are shifting from single-function areas to comprehensive ecological hubs. This study aims to explore the spatial and functional regeneration of the Zhoukou Botanical Garden, upgrading it from an isolated facility into a multifunctional "urban green heart" that supports sustainable urban development. By employing on-site analysis and SWOT evaluation to diagnose existing challenges—such as poor accessibility, slow development, and inadequate ecological protection—this research proposes adaptive strategies for park governance and spatial optimization. The results indicate that the regenerative design effectively resolves the site's semi-closed state by establishing a comprehensive "two loops, four main roads, and multiple branches" traffic system, significantly improving urban accessibility. Furthermore, the design qualitatively enhances community engagement and ecological health by integrating multi-functional zones, including diverse plant communities, waterfront leisure spaces (such as the suspended "Edge of the Sea" platform), and interactive venues like the thematic Popular Science Education Pavilion. Ultimately, the spatial expansion and functional renewal of the East District Park demonstrate that seamlessly integrating ecological conservation, science education, and recreation can successfully revitalize underutilized green spaces. This design practice offers a valuable paradigm for Zhoukou City’s comprehensive urban development and provides a referable framework for other cities pursuing the Park City concept.