TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung City Government said Thursday that the Beitun Civil and Children’s Sports Center has entered final equipment testing and is expected to open in July.
The center will be Taichung’s 10th public sports center serving both adults and children. The city said it hopes the facility will become a major sports venue and new landmark in central Taiwan.
The city government said the project cost more than NT$900 million (US$27.8 million), with an indoor ice rink built to international competition standards as its main feature. The rink will be the largest indoor ice sports venue in central Taiwan and can host short-track speed skating, ice hockey, figure skating, and curling.
Taichung Sports Bureau Director Yu Chih-hsiang (游志祥) said the rink will help meet long-term demand for a standard ice rink outside northern Taiwan. He said it will provide a venue for athlete training and competitions, while also allowing residents to try ice sports.
The rink is on the first basement level to reduce air loss and keep temperatures stable. It also uses a double-layer insulated roof and insulated wall panels to meet international ice rink construction standards.
The venue will use an electric ice resurfacing machine to maintain ice quality and improve indoor air safety. The city said it will also add licensed cartoon character branding to make the space more fun and recognizable.
Other facilities include a multipurpose court, a swimming pool, and sports areas for different age groups. The court uses adjustable LED lighting to save energy and make maintenance safer.
The city said the center will work with other public sports centers, sports parks, and children’s sports facilities after it opens. It will also connect with nearby venues, including Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, Chongde Baseball Field, and the planned Taichung Dome.
The sports bureau said the new center will give residents in Taichung’s urban, coastal, and mountain areas more places to exercise. It said the project is part of the city’s plan to build a healthier and more active sports environment.
