Seoul City Councilor Park Sun-gyu, Ordinance Passed for Residents' Priority Use of School Playgrounds

Priority Given to Residents of the District When Multiple Applicants Request Use of Open Seoul Metropolitan School Facilities (Gymnasiums, Playgrounds, etc.) at the Same Time

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] According to the Ordinance on the Opening and Use of Seoul Metropolitan City School Facilities (hereinafter referred to as the 'Ordinance'), Seoul metropolitan school facilities are to be opened to residents. However, some school facilities have been used for extended periods by resident groups from other regions, causing local residents to face difficulties in using nearby available facilities, which has been a source of regret.

Meanwhile, Seoul City Council member Park Soon-gyu (photo, Democratic Party of Korea, Jung-gu 1) proposed a revised ordinance on February 5, which was passed at the 2nd plenary session of the 291st Seoul City Council temporary meeting on March 6.

Council member Park stated, “The purpose of this ordinance was to activate sports activities by opening school facilities to nearby residents to overcome the practical issue of a shortage of sports facilities compared to the increasing population engaged in sports activities.

However, resident groups from districts other than the district where the school is located have been using the facilities long-term, and especially during preferred time slots, resident groups from the relevant district cannot use them. Most uses are on a one-year basis, which did not align with the purpose of the ordinance,” explaining the reason for the ordinance revision.

Looking at the main contents of the revised ordinance proposed by Council member Park, when there are two or more applicants and usage times overlap, a provision was added allowing the school principal to prioritize use by the school’s students and resident groups composed of residents of the relevant district or those residing in the district.

Additionally, Council member Park said, “Once the revised ordinance is implemented, residents of the relevant district will be able to utilize more facilities to promote community sports and lifelong education, which will help improve residents’ health and enrich their lives.”

This ordinance, having passed the plenary session, will be enforced immediately upon the mayor’s proclamation.

Currently, the Seoul Metropolitan City school facilities open for use include gymnasiums, auditoriums, playgrounds, classrooms, audiovisual rooms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other facilities. Short-term use can be applied for through the ‘School Facility Use Wired/Wireless Reservation System’ on the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education website, and for long-term use exceeding six months, approval from the school operation committee is required, with usage being subject to fees.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.