The Haikou Story Park in Kouhu, Yunlin, is undergoing a costly overhaul — good news for a coastal area short on lodging, though success will depend on whether any operator is willing to take over its management.

• After more than a decade of wear from the sea winds, the park's facilities are being repaired with a combined NT$17 million from the township office and the county government, with completion expected by the end of the year.
• The funding comes from an NT$12 million county government subsidy and NT$5 million raised by the township office, and will go mainly toward the entrance feature and the surrounding landscaping.
• The number of wooden camping decks will double from 13 to 26, and a water play area, a campfire area and a second restroom and shower block will be added.
• Tendering for an outside operator has begun, with annual rent set at NT$234,000 for a four-year term; qualifying operators are eligible for a 40 percent discount.
• Residents hope that once the park opens it will boost local tour offerings built around fishing and marine tourism, and keep visitors in the area longer.

Outlook: If construction is completed on schedule by the end of the year, the park is aiming to begin full operations in the first half of next year, with the key question being whether an operating team can be found to move in.