Gwangheungchang Children's Park gets new play equipment and landscaping with shrubs and flowering plants; Gaenari, Witjandari, Yanghwa, Gwiri, Yeomni and Ongdalsaem parks also refreshed to meet local needs
Mapo-gu completed renovations at seven children's parks across the district, investing 270 million won ($201,000) between July and October to replace aging facilities.
The work aimed to ensure children can play safely by replacing worn-out equipment and improving conditions throughout each park.
The seven parks renovated were Gwangheungchang, Gaenari, Witjandari, Yanghwa, Gwiri, Yeomni and Ongdalsaem children's parks.
Gwangheungchang Children's Park received the most extensive upgrades, with a focus on making the space safer and more enjoyable for children. Swings that had been prone to shaking and noise were replaced, and a combination play structure that had frequently broken down was swapped out for a new unit offering climbing, sliding and other activities in one place.
Two shade canopies were installed over the play area to protect children from strong sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
The park's 237-square-meter floor surface was also relaid with impact-absorbing paving to reduce the risk of injury from falls.
The district also worked to improve the park's appearance, planting 1,189 shrubs — including nandina and golden euonymus — and 741 flowering plants, including chrysanthemums, to create a more pleasant environment.
The other six parks were each refreshed according to their own needs. Gaenari Children's Park received new exercise equipment, safety railings and drainage repairs, while Witjandari Children's Park had its paving blocks replaced.
Yanghwa Children's Park was fitted with new benches, and Ongdalsaem Children's Park received parasols. At Gwiri and Yeomni children's parks, the district repaired play equipment, installed safety fencing and planted trees.
The district said it hopes the renovations will allow children to play freely at nearby parks while also giving residents a comfortable place to rest.
Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said a park where children can run and play freely "is itself a space that nurtures their happy daily lives," adding that the district would "pay close attention to creating parks where children can use them safely and all residents can feel at ease."
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