Masterplan and vision
The Great Lake Park District Masterplan provides a comprehensive and forward-thinking framework that envisions a sustainable and vibrant future for the area. The plan is designed to address the challenges of the past decades and meet the increasing demand for a getaway destination by implementing open space, trail, and water access infrastructure over the next 10 years.
Context of Kunshan's Great Lake District and challenges
Located on the West outskirts of Kunshan, East of Suzhou City, the Great Lake District is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The region is historically known as a "watertown," and the district's five interconnected lakes and rich history of Kun opera make it a popular recreation and getaway destination, attracting visitors from local and adjacent metropolises. The district's organic interwoven water and land create a diverse ecological edge condition suitable for marsh and riparian growth, which is particularly suitable for growing local crabs, one of the most favored cuisines in the nation. The district is especially popular during the fall season when the crabs are harvested.
However, the district also faces several challenges that threaten its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The area has experienced fragmented and chaotic development, and unsustainable crab breeding and crab restaurant practices have led to water pollution and environmental problems. Limited and discontinuous waterfront access also hinders visitors' ability to experience and enjoy the area's natural beauty. The Great Lake Park District masterplan project is designed to address these challenges and create a sustainable future for the area.
A landscape infrastructure phasing plan for the next 10 years
The masterplan proposes three key phases to resolve the complex and inter-related issues:
Phase 1: Connect and Cleanup
In Phase 1 of the masterplan, the crab restaurants relocation project by the local government allows temporary-looking crab restaurants to be relocated to a consolidated location to be managed, and the pollution to be cleaned up. The greenway system will connect these restaurants, existing regional trails, and complete the Kueilei Lake Ring. Together with the proposed streetscape project by the city, Phase 1 will establish the main connection and improve the quality of the South-East edge of the district to the city's existing network.
Phase 2: Loop
Phase 2 plans to connect all the existing, disconnected trails to form a main loop and establish the main programmatic nodes along it. This connected main loop will work with the central waterway to complete the major network linking all the existing major destinations in the district.
Phase 3: Grow
In Phase 3, the loops will be extended by connecting them with the secondary trail system. This allows more diverse scales of places and programs to be established, providing a comprehensive view of the "Great Lake Park District."
Strategies
To achieve its goals, the masterplan proposes a comprehensive landscape infrastructure plan that includes strategies for open space, greenway, blueway, and vehicular access. The plan seeks to create a well-connected, pedestrian- and bike-friendly district that integrates with the regional trail system, while providing ecological and programmatic continuity.
A main greenway loop is proposed at the perimeter of the district to connect lakes and the networks externally. Secondary trails link the waterfront of each lake and form E-W connections between the loops. These trails, along with amenities, provide bikers and pedestrians easy ways to explore the district. A central waterway is proposed to navigate the district by water and join the greenways at the landings. Visitors can switch between biking, walking, and taking the boat to get to their destinations.
Vehicular access is proposed with parking facilities dispersed throughout the area. Cars are encouraged to park at the closest available parking lots and use the above-mentioned methods to enjoy the beauty of the district. All the trails and arrival points are associated with a connected open space system that offers programs and experiences driven by the character of each lake.
Activities and Programs for All Seasons, for Everyone
The district also offers a diverse range of additional year-round programs and events, celebrating the local food, harvest, and opera culture of the area. These programs have been developed in collaboration with local communities and institutions and enhance the district's appeal as an all-year- round destination.
Each lake has its main programmatic and programs based on their existing condition and the character of the site. Kueilei Lake, in the south, focuses on its water resource education, Manli and Bacheng Lake are the centers for recreational water sports activities, and Zhichekg Lake is planned to maintain its ecological quality.
Kuilei Lake Reservoir Ring
The Kuilei Lake Reservoir Ring is a key part of the Great Lake District masterplan, celebrating the area's Kun opera heritage and educating visitors about its use as a municipal water resource. For instance, the Water Resource Education Belt provides places for families and student groups to learn about the importance of the water resource while playing, interacting, and experiencing it.
The connectivity it provides is especially critical due to its location to the existing trail system and urban context at Kunshan West. This ring connects them with the other lakes in the north and Yancheng Lake in the west. The gateway role of this place is significant to the visitors coming from its east side. The southern portion of the belt is designed to allow visitors to experience the shift of the scale and observe Kueilei Lake as part of the arrival experience. Panoramic Points here are designed to be one of the main features that offer unique and engaging experiences for visitors. It provides 360- degree viewing angles from Miaojing River in the east toward Kueilei Lake in the west.
Manli-Bacheng Lake Vibrant Stripe
The Manli-Bacheng Lake Vibrant Stripe is another major area of the Great Lake District, enhancing the community recreation center and Bacheng Historic Street with events, water sports, retail, and dining options accessible via boats, vehicles, and trails.
As the recreational and sports hub of the district, proposed programs celebrate local food, harvest, and opera culture, with events across all seasons, developed in collaboration with communities and institutions. It’s the most vibrant and centralized area in the district, offering diverse scales of events in all seasons for local communities, institutions, and visitors.
Zhicheng Lake Habitat Demonstration Center
The Zhicheng Lake Habitat Demonstration Center is a key project within the Great Lake District, located at its north-end, and is an essential component of the masterplan's environmental conservation efforts. The center aims to showcase the area's unique natural heritage by restoring farmland and riparian areas to a pre-agricultural state and creating a natural habitat for local wildlife to thrive. The ecological system in the area has been restored by adjusting the slope, water depth, and planting native plant species, which provides a suitable habitat for the local wildlife.
The Zhicheng Lake Habitat Demonstration Center not only serves as an important ecological site but also offers unique educational opportunities for visitors. It provides a hands-on learning experience for visitors to understand the significance of the natural heritage of the Great Lake District and its role in maintaining the ecological balance. The center's educational programs are designed to raise awareness about ecological restoration and sustainable development in the region.
The Great Lake Park District masterplan is a comprehensive vision for a sustainable and vibrant destination that promises to create a lasting legacy for future generations. The plan seeks to integrate the area's unique natural and cultural heritage and create a well-connected, pedestrian- and bike- friendly district that meets the needs of both local communities and visitors. Zhicheng Lake Habitat Demonstration Center is an important part of this plan, showcasing the region's unique natural heritage and promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.
