'Everyone's Playground' Completed in Bonghwa County for Children and Seniors with 3 Billion KRW Investment

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province announced on November 16 that, together with Bonghwa County, it has completed the 'Everyone's Playground Construction Project' with a total investment of 3 billion KRW. The province stated that this marks a significant step toward realizing its vision of 'Gyeongbuk as a Great Place to Raise Children.'

This project is one of the 150 key action items for the major transition in low birth rates, which Gyeongsangbuk-do has been prioritizing since 2024. Construction began in June 2024 and was completed at the end of October this year, making it a flagship initiative.

'Everyone's Playground' Established in Bonghwa County

'Everyone's Playground,' as its name suggests, is a barrier-free play facility accessible to all. Designed as a nature-friendly rest area, it serves as a multipurpose community space where not only children but also teenagers, the elderly, and local residents can easily and safely enjoy the facilities.

Notably, the most distinctive feature of 'Everyone's Playground' is that children and local residents participated directly from the design phase through to supervision. Rather than being a playground created by adults, it is recognized as a model example of a low birth rate initiative where children are the true creators and owners of the playground.

In addition, by linking with the Senior Club in the future, local seniors will participate as play activity leaders. This is expected to break down generational barriers and foster communication through play as a common language, making it a meaningful generational empathy policy model.

The opening ceremony was held at the Naeseong-ri Festival Plaza in Bonghwa County (the site of Everyone's Playground), hosted by Bonghwa County. The event was attended by National Assemblyman Lim Jongdeuk, Bonghwa County Governor Park Hyunkuk, Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Assemblyman Park Changuk, and officials from relevant organizations, who celebrated the completion of the project. The event also featured performances by children from Bonghwa Daycare Center and a chorus by students from Bonghwa Elementary School, reaffirming the significance of this community-built playground.

Kim Byunggon, Director of Culture, Tourism and Sports at Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, stated, "We will continue to expand the development of generational empathy-oriented cultural and tourism resources that can be enjoyed by both children and residents, striving to overcome the low birth rate and revitalize local tourism."