Micro-renovations bring a new look; meticulous governance warms people's hearts

Small community squares are not only important spaces for residents' leisure life but also a window into the warmth of grassroots governance. Since the start of this year, Xiagang Community in Lingang Development Zone has taken Party-building as the guide for grassroots governance, designating the upgrade of Dongjie Square as a key livelihood project. By precisely addressing residents' needs, making up for shortcomings in aging public spaces, and improving supporting facilities, the community has pushed forward the square's renewal, creating a public space serving nearly 3,000 surrounding households. Through subtle livelihood updates, the community continues to polish its foundation for a livable and happy neighborhood.

Before the renovation, the community adhered to the principle of "asking the people about their needs," organizing Party members, staff, and grid members to go into the neighborhoods and visit households one by one, listening to residents' concerns face-to-face. Through this process, they identified 12 core issues, including damaged pavement, obstructed sightlines, parking shortages, and outdated facilities. In response to safety hazards raised by residents—such as utility poles blocking visibility—the community coordinated with power and urban construction departments to conduct on-site inspections and collaborative problem-solving. By adjusting pole positions, clearing abandoned cables, and reorganizing utility lines, they eliminated public safety hazards, cleared travel routes for residents, and laid a solid safety foundation for the square renovation project.

During the renovation process, the community consistently upheld the philosophy of "acting for the people and letting the people have a say," carrying out refined upgrades for residents of all ages. The square's ecological environment was improved through the scientific placement of landscaping greenery and the laying of lawns, enhancing the overall green texture and community appearance. At the same time, the community precisely tailored improvements to meet the needs of different groups: anti-slip tarmac walkways were resurfaced and leveled, and solid wood benches were added to provide convenience for elderly residents to rest and chat. The basketball court received a full upgrade, with safety netting and shock-absorbing flooring installed to strengthen safety protections for young athletes. In addition, the community continued to improve supporting facilities by laying protective flooring across the entire fitness area and adding 30 new public parking spaces—effectively improving the fitness environment and relieving parking pressure in nearby residential areas. These efforts truly addressed gaps in public services, achieving simultaneous upgrades in both living environment and service quality.

Today, Dongjie Square has achieved a dual leap in both appearance and functionality, integrating diverse services such as sports, fitness, leisure, socializing, and convenient parking. It has been transformed into a high-quality, livable public space suitable for all ages, fully revitalizing previously underused and idle site resources.

Chinese Source: Lingang Feng Lai WeChat public account