A man plays basketball at a court built under an overpass in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

A sports park built on idle space under an overpass in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, has become popular among local residents, local media outlets reported.

The park serves as a place where residents of Desheng and Shiqiao communities can play sports and is also accessible to nearly 10,000 households in the nearby Gongshu and Shangcheng districts.

Covering a total of 20,800 square meters, the park consists of four and a half basketball courts, two combined basketball and tennis courts, one normal tennis court, one five-on-five football field, a balloon volleyball court, and a parking lot that is able to accommodate more than 150 cars.

"I am a sports enthusiast fond of not only daily fitness training but also various ball sports. I used to have to take the metro to Jiubao for the nearest basketball court, but now it takes me just a few minutes' walk to the park where I can play basketball with my friends several times per week," said a young man surnamed Jiang.

Liu, mother of a toddler living nearby, was also happy that the park had been transformed from a deserted construction site to a top recreational choice for her child.

"I think it was a great idea," Liu said.

According to the director of the park, an average of 4,000 to 5,000 residents visit the park on work days, while the figure doubles on weekends and holidays.

"We will continue to ensure the safe and smooth operation of the facilities so as to offer residents a high-quality and comprehensive space for exercise," said the director.

Residents can reserve the courts online through the "Zhe Li Ban" mobile app, which was launched by the Zhejiang Provincial Government for public affairs, and the park's official WeChat account.