Son Ki-jung Sports Park transformed with the creation of running tracks and walking tracks, expansion of walkways, and reinstallation of the playground.
[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Son Ki-jeong Sports Park, located in Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, is being reborn as a diverse cultural and sports hub centered on running.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will partially open the main facilities of Son Ki-jeong Sports Park, which is being redeveloped as the "holy ground of running," on the 27th. The official opening is planned for September, considering the COVID-19 situation.
The facilities opening to the public this time include ▲running track ▲multipurpose sports field ▲children's library ▲children's playground ▲gateball court, among others. The Running Center and Son Ki-jeong Memorial Hall will be unveiled during the official opening in September. The city originally planned to reopen the park in July but decided to open it earlier after completing major facility improvements, entrance and exit enhancements, and tree planting, taking into account the convenience of residents who could not use the park during construction.
Son Ki-jeong Sports Park was established as a neighborhood park in 1990 on the site of Yangjeong High School, alma mater of Korea’s first Olympic medalists Son Ki-jeong and Nam Seung-ryong, and was redesignated as a sports park in 1997. However, due to limitations of the existing facilities, the park’s original purpose and identity faded, making it difficult to enjoy marathon and running activities. Through this redevelopment, the city has been promoting the project as part of the urban regeneration initiative around Seoul Station to commemorate numerous marathon heroes and pass on better values to future generations.
The main change in the park is the sports field, which occupies the largest area and was previously used as a soccer field. The facility was completely replaced and relocated southward. The narrow pedestrian path on the north side of the field was significantly expanded and transformed into a track suitable for both marathon running and walking, creating a space for both walkers and runners. This newly installed field will be managed as a cultural and sports complex space with detailed programs such as marathon plaza, outdoor yoga, and flea markets operated by day and time, not just as a soccer-only space.
The newly established Son Ki-jeong Children’s Library in Son Ki-jeong Sports Park was created by utilizing part of the public parking building at the park’s south entrance. This space, which visitors first encounter upon entering the park, was originally used as a management office and various storage rooms but has been remodeled into a library for children. A Running Center will also be established within the park to enhance convenience for runners using the track.
The city plans to hold a park reopening event in September, inviting runners and citizens nationwide, to foster Son Ki-jeong Sports Park as a key facility in urban regeneration.
Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, said, "I hope Son Ki-jeong Sports Park will become a place where people of all ages enjoy running and add vitality to the area around Seoul Station 7017," adding, "I also look forward to it becoming a new landmark where people can enjoy sports activities in daily life and remember history, in connection with the Hyochang Independence 100th Anniversary Park, scheduled for completion in 2024."
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