Expanding Leisure and Community Sports Infrastructure for Residents
Considering Expansion into Railway Protection Zone
Enhancing Safety and Comfort
Gijang County (Governor Jeong Jongbok) has completed the decision to initiate an urban management plan for the construction of the Ilgwang Tennis Court and Park Golf Course, accelerating the progress of the project.
The county is focusing on developing a "Comprehensive Sports Town" by clustering major sports facilities around Ilgwang Recreation Area to attract various competitions and expand the base of community sports.
Facilities such as the World Cup Village, Gijang-Hyundai Motor Dream Ball Park, National Sports Center, and the Baseball Experience Center and Indoor Baseball Training Center have already been established. Currently, the tennis court and park golf course are being promoted as core projects.
The Ilgwang Tennis Court will be built in the Cheonggwang-ri area of Ilgwang-eup, covering 26,873 square meters with 12 hard courts.
Last year, the county completed the process of removing the site from the Agricultural Promotion Zone and received conditional approval from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Construction is set to begin in October this year, with completion targeted for April next year.
Since the distance to adjacent Korail facilities is only about 10 meters, the county is considering incorporating an additional 3,089 square meters of the railway protection zone to create buffer green space and rest areas. Through this, the county aims to prevent stray balls, ensure user safety, and provide a pleasant sports environment simultaneously.
The Ilgwang Park Golf Course is undergoing the designation process as an urban planning zone, with completion targeted for 2027. Initially planned as a 9-hole course (16,129 square meters), the county is now pursuing expansion to 18 holes or more to meet the rapidly growing demand for park golf among middle-aged and older adults.
However, due to space constraints resulting from the creation of a safety zone near a stream adjacent to the site, the county is also considering incorporating the tennis court expansion area (3,749 square meters) into the railway protection zone. The county has determined that, since the site is physically separated by the Donghae Line railway and National Road No. 14 embankment (retaining wall), there are no practical safety issues.
Following the completion of the urban management plan decision on September 25, Gijang County plans to begin consultations with the National Railroad Authority regarding the installation of sports facilities.
The county stated, "We will prioritize the safety and convenience of users and will proceed with the project in full compliance with the law through close cooperation with relevant agencies."
A county official added, "The tennis court and park golf course will become key community sports facilities in Gijang County. We will do our utmost to establish sports infrastructure to enhance residents' leisure and revitalize the local economy."
There are numerous cases nationwide of sports facilities being installed within railway protection zones, such as Busan Asiad Stadium, Haeundae Songjeong Tennis Park, Haeundae Beach Public Golf Club, and Ulsan Cheongnyang Sports Ground, supporting the validity of Gijang County's project.
Gijang County Office.
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