A nearly 60-year-old elephant slide at Dashin Elementary School in Beidou Township, Changhua County, was at risk of being demolished due to its age. To preserve this cherished piece of campus history, the school secured funding from the county government to transform it into a three-dimensional flower terrace. This week, as part of its 60th-anniversary celebration, Dashin Elementary held an unveiling ceremony for the newly revitalized elephant slide. Alumni, including Zhang Jianfeng and his four-generation family, attended to relive treasured childhood memories.

Dashin Elementary School, established 60 years ago, recently hosted its anniversary celebration with the theme "Glorious Sixty, Embracing a Bright Future." Alumni from across generations joined the festivities, including current PTA president Zhang Jianfeng. His family has a long-standing legacy at the school, with his great-grandfather Zhang Wuji, grandfather Zhang Dongbo, and father Zhang Huiqing all serving as PTA presidents. This year, the entire family came together to celebrate, witnessing how childhood memories continue to be passed down.

Zhang Jianfeng shared that the elephant slide has been part of the school for at least 60 years, with all four generations of his family having played on it. Although it no longer meets current safety regulations, the community couldn’t bear to see it removed. Instead, the slide was given a creative makeover: the sides were painted with scenes of the school, the sliding surface was turned into a layered flower terrace, and the stairs were renovated with wooden steps for walking and viewing. The transformation has breathed new life into the once-abandoned slide, turning it into a vibrant campus landmark and a favorite photo spot. It’s a beautiful way to preserve childhood memories in a fresh and meaningful form.

source: 自由時報