A QUIET haven for chess lovers with a distinct oriental theme in the heart of Newcastle will be officially opened tomorrow. (Tuesday May 14) The fourth ‘pocket park’ on Stowell Street in Newcastle’s Chinatown comes equipped with four sustainable hardwood playing tables with engraved slate chessboard for chess, or Chinese chequers all engraved with Chinese poems and symbols.
The Chinese Garden launch includes lion dancers, a ceremonial ribbon cutting and an inaugural chess tournament played by members of Newcastle University’s chess club.
Work began on the park back in November last year when the 180 square metres of land was cleared ready for planting and landscaping which took until the New Year to complete.
The last ceremonial stone was hoisted into position at the start of April, ready for the grand opening.
Sow Fong Cole, of the Chinese Futures Group, said: “We have worked together to produce Chinese words and characters which will add to the beauty of the park and invest it with a real Chinese atmosphere.”
Chess sets are available to borrow from the Chinese Supermarket opposite the garden.
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