Incheon Namdong-gu Expands Online Reservation System for Public Sports Facilities

Namdong-gu, Incheon, is promoting improvement measures such as expanding the online reservation system to enhance the convenience and transparency of public sports facility operations.

On the afternoon of the 14th, the district plans to hold a "Public Sports Facility Operation Improvement Plan Briefing" at the 2nd-floor meeting room of the Namdong-gu Sports Council, attended by representatives of clubs from 10 sports including soccer and tennis.

Currently, there are 43 public sports facilities across 20 sports in Namdong-gu, and some directly managed facilities (soccer and baseball) require advance reservations through an online reservation system.

Additionally, due to ongoing complaints about exclusive use of certain facilities by clubs, such as tennis courts and badminton courts, the district has been conducting a pilot operation of an online reservation system for tennis courts since the 23rd of last month.

After a certain period of pilot operation and addressing any issues, the district plans to gradually operate the online reservation system for all tennis courts and badminton facilities, and will continuously monitor and improve any inconveniences.

The establishment of the public sports facility reservation system was raised during last year's administrative audit by the district council members, and is especially a recommendation from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission regarding "Measures to Enhance Transparency of Public Sports Facilities." Local governments advised to improve must establish an implementation plan reflecting the improvements and undergo compliance inspections.

Previously, visitors had to wait or leave if there were no available courts upon visiting the site, but with the expansion of the online reservation system, users will be able to check available courts at desired times via PC or mobile and make reservations and payments directly, which is expected to increase operational efficiency.

Along with this, the district plans to transparently disclose the reservation status of sports facilities on its website going forward.

A Namdong-gu official stated, "Public sports facilities are, in principle, open to all local residents. We do not agree with some opinions that the introduction of the online reservation system will restrict club activities," adding, "We will strive to enable the majority of residents to use public sports facilities more conveniently through smooth communication."