Local villagers enjoy fishing at the park. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Bursts of laughter can often been heard at a fishing park in Pangxinzhuang village, Yanzhuang street, Guanxian county, Shandong province.

They are from the local villagers, many of whom visit the park daily for leisure.

The park was built on a deserted pool, which used to be occupied by domestic and construction waste for decades.

Last year, the village authorities launched a construction program and started to restore the pool and neighboring environment. Roads were built, walls were painted and underground pipelines were put up.

The pool in the west of the village must be addressed, said Liang Mingyue, a senior official with the village.

Garbage was cleaned, protective fences were built, water quality was improved and trees were planted in the surrounding areas.

The village authorities have also encouraged farmers to engage in ecological aquaculture and set up fishing spots for the public.

Up to now, more than 7,500 kilograms of fish of various species have been released in the pool for public fishing.

A view of the wasteland-turned fishing park in Pangxinzhuang village, Guanxian county, Shandong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]