Ho Chi Minh City to inaugurate COVID-19 memorial park next week

The department has submitted a report to the municipal administration confirming the completion schedule and proposing a formal inauguration ceremony for Ly Thai To Memorial Park No. 1, located in Vuon Lai Ward.

The project’s developer, Vung Tau Urban Investment and Development Co., Ltd., said that the main works of the park have been completed and all remaining components would be finalized before February 8, allowing the park to be opened to the public before February 10.

Based on this timeline, the department proposed holding the inauguration ceremony from 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm on February 12, with government leaders, city officials, and delegates expected to attend.

The event will include a ribbon-cutting rite, flower offerings, and candlelight commemorations.

A striking centerpiece of the park is a stainless-steel water drop sculpture, installed on Monday by the developer.

The sculpture measures 13 meters in circumference and six meters in height, reflecting images of visitors.

Its hollow interior is designed so that sunlight or moonlight passing through reveals the shape of a heart.

The developer said the water drop symbolizes tears of sorrow, while the heart inside represents human compassion, conveying the message that no one should feel alone in sadness.

Ly Thai To Memorial Park No. 1 is intended as a memorial to the collective resilience of Ho Chi Minh City residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main entrance opens to a large welcoming square spanning thousands of square meters.

Visitors can walk through tree-lined paths to reach the central fountain plaza, which covers about 1,800 square meters and features the water drop sculpture surrounded by tiered seating.

Thousands of lights illuminate the fountain at night.

Beyond the main square, the park includes green plazas, grassy hills, scenic pavilions, and restored colonial-era villas.

Four old villas have been preserved and repurposed into a restaurant, community house, public library, and art gallery/museum, along with public restrooms to serve visitors.