Jung Won-oh, Seongdong District Mayor, Takes Action to Restore Children's 'Right to Play'?

On the 10th, Enforcement of the 'Seongdong-gu Ordinance on Promoting Children's Right to Play' Leading the Promotion of Children's Play Rights... Eungsam Children's Park Transformed into an Adventure and Creativity Playground Utilizing Existing Slopes for Rock Climbing and Slides... Park Design Reflecting Diverse Opinions from Local Residents and Parents to Restore Play Rights for All Ages in Daily Life

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu (left), visited Eungsam Children's Park on the 18th and observed children playing.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) is promoting the restoration of children’s “right to play” for kids who desperately need outdoor activities due to COVID-19. Through the “Ordinance on the Promotion of the Right to Play for Children in Seongdong-gu, Seoul,” which has been in effect since the 10th, the district is providing various supports to help children play freely and grow up healthily, drawing attention.

As part of this initiative, on the 5th, the district refurbished and newly opened the customized playground “Eungsam Children’s Park” created for children.

Eungsam Children’s Park, located at 15-1 Eungbong-dong, covers a total area of 1,646㎡ and has introduced new facilities such as slope climbing, rock climbing, and a sand playground. It has been reborn as a distinctive children’s park where kids can climb slopes, run around, and create their own play, moving beyond a simple playground.

The existing Eungsam Children’s Park is located near an elementary school and in a densely populated residential area. With a daily foot traffic of about 500 people, it is a popular spot for both children and local residents. However, despite its high usage, the facilities were aging and in need of maintenance.

In 2019, the district selected Eungsam Children’s Park as a target site for the “Creative Children’s Playground Creation Project.” An “Operation Council” consisting of parents and local residents was formed, and a community workshop was held to gather diverse opinions from the early design stages.

After several expert consultations on playgrounds, the existing terrain’s elevation differences were utilized to create slides and rock climbing spaces. The park also features a swinging chair photo zone and a sand playground with wooden block stacking facilities, allowing children to play freely and safely. It has become a popular spot used by about 100 children daily.

Additionally, by planting tree species with different blooming periods, the park offers a distinctive landscape throughout all four seasons. For children’s safety, tree planting was done along the entrances and exits, securing an open and visible sightline.

The district operates a total of 28 children’s parks, including the “Children’s Dream Park” in Haengdang-dong, opened last year, and the “Children’s Adventure Playground” in Wangsimni Doseon-dong.

In June, the district plans to create the “Dodam Dodam Dream Playground” utilizing the green space in front of Wangsimni Daycare Center near Seongdong-gu Office.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “In celebration of Family Month in May, we have worked tirelessly to create playgrounds where children can spend time safely and joyfully. Not only have the previously simple parks been transformed into new spaces reflecting residents’ opinions, but we are also pleased to provide children with playgrounds that foster creativity and stimulate imagination.”