Support for residents to freely use within a range that does not interfere with students' studies
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) signed an agreement with Gyeongsin Middle and High School to open the school playground at the end of last year, allowing residents to freely use the playground starting from the 7th of this month.
This playground opening is part of the school park project aimed at addressing the lack of parks and sports facilities available to residents in the heart of the city.
The 'school park' initiative involves collaborating with schools to open playgrounds like parks during weekday afternoons and weekends, operating them as open spaces for everyone.
To this end, the district supported 800 million KRW for the construction of an eco-friendly artificial turf playground at Gyeongsin Middle and High School, creating a resting space for local residents after about four months of construction, alongside fostering a quality educational environment and improving residents' quality of life.
The usage hours of the Gyeongsin Middle and High School playground are set so as not to interfere with students' studies. On weekdays, it is available from 5 PM to 10 PM, and on Saturdays, public holidays, and during vacations, from 6 AM to 9 PM.
Regarding the soccer field, considering the Gyeongsin Middle and High School soccer team, which has produced outstanding players representing South Korea, the hours differ. On weekdays, it is available from 8 PM to 10 PM, and on Saturdays, public holidays, and during vacations, from 6 AM to 9 PM, with prior notice.
Additionally, the use of the playground by various groups, including early morning soccer clubs, prioritizes Jongno-gu residents, and usage fees are collected by the school principal according to relevant regulations.
For more detailed information or other inquiries, please contact the school administration office.
Meanwhile, Jongno-gu had continuously strived since 2013 to create playgrounds accessible to residents and amateur sports enthusiasts, eventually establishing the district-run Hangang Multipurpose Playground, including a natural grass soccer field, on idle land along the Hangang River in Goyang City. This was achieved after long negotiations and persuasion with related agencies such as the Seoul Regional Land Management Office and Goyang City Hall.
However, since the location is geographically far from Jongno, there had been many resident complaints requesting playgrounds within the district. As a result, the principal of Gyeongsin Middle and High School, parents, students, faculty, and local district council members all shared the intention to create an eco-friendly artificial turf playground and open it to local residents.
In addition, Jongno-gu signed an agreement with Seoul Arts High School in December last year, deciding to provide 1.7 billion KRW (200 million KRW from the district, 1.5 billion KRW from the city) to support the construction of the school's multipurpose building.
Once the multipurpose building is completed, 19 parking spaces and other facilities will be made available for local residents.
Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “The opening of the Gyeongsin Middle and High School playground to the community is expected to greatly contribute to residents' health improvement and community revitalization. We ask for much interest and support from schools and parents for the school park project.”
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