早期的新舊寮溪常因一場大雨就洪泛成災，經多年整治後，洪患不再，然而溪床牧草生長快速，常阻礙水流通暢，居民早早就在思索解決方法又不破壞生態，終於想出了一個三贏的構想『放牛吃草』，省錢、景觀、生態。中山休閒農業區用放牛吃草的環保生態方法，『牽牛入宅放牛吃草』一批批的遊客、學生，在居民的解說下，了解水牛的生長與自然的融合，放牛吃草已成為休閒與戶外教學的新據點。更重要的，河床裏的花草變多了，螢火蟲出現了，白鷺鷥也來了，小朋友也來了，自然與人類的共存真正的表現『休閒農業的靈魂』，生物的多樣化可以作為自然環保的指標，保存基因庫的多樣與完整，人類與生物得以永續共生創意大賽的冠軍。

居民共同認為我們已經達到目標，原本『省錢、景觀、生態』三贏的局面以增加為五贏，那就是『省錢、景觀、生態、教育、休閒』。行政院農業委員會於第三屆全國休閒園區設施創意大賽，更將冠軍頒給了中山休閒農業區，這個創意與肯定將留存在居民的心理，久久都是甜蜜蜜。

In early times, Xinliao Stream and Jioliao Stream often flooded after heavy rain. After years of water regulation, the flooding was stopped. However, the quick growth of native grasses on the riverbed then obstructed the waterflow. Locals were looking for an eco-friendly solution for a long time. Finally, they came up with the idea of grazing water buffalo, which saved money while protecting local scenery and ecosystem. Through grazing, Jhong Shan Agriculture Leisure Area introduces visitors and students to the local environment, educating them regarding the raising of water buffalos and natural integration. Herding has become a new attraction for education and recreation. More importantly, now there are more variety of plants on the riverbed, in addition to increasing fireflies, egrets, and young visitors. The soul of recreational agriculture lies in the coexistence of nature and mankind. The diversity of creatures serves as the standard of an eco-friendly environment, while keeping the completeness of the gene pool in nature.

Residents believe that we have reached the goal. The original goals of saving money while protecting local scenery and the ecosystem have evolved, now including education and recreation. The Jhong Shan Agriculture Leisure Area was awarded the championship by the Council of Agriculture during the third National Recreational Park Design Contest. This creativity and affirmation will stay in the minds of residents forever.