Naju-si Closes 'Geumseongsan Ecological Water Playground' to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Published 20 Jul.2021 15:07(KST)

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) announced on the 20th that it will close the ‘Geumseongsan Ecological Water Playground’ this year as well as last year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This is due to the nationwide fourth wave trend of COVID-19 and the Delta variant virus spreading recently, especially centered in the metropolitan area.

The city judged that although it is an outdoor facility, the nature of the water playground makes it difficult to prevent prolonged close contact in a limited space and to comply with quarantine rules such as wearing masks.

In particular, with the scheduled elevation of social distancing to level 2 in Jeollanam-do until the 1st of next month, and the expected difficulties in epidemiological investigations such as tracing infection routes and movements of contacts in case of confirmed cases, the closure was decided.

The ecological water playground is a nature-friendly water play facility that supplies water flowing along the valley from the mountain summit to the water playground.

It is also popular as a summer water play and rest area for families, equipped with three water pools designed for different age groups, a parking lot that can accommodate 80 vehicles simultaneously, slides, showers, restrooms, and resting areas.

The water playground has remained closed for the past four years due to the long-term impact of COVID-19 and the construction of the National Naju Forest Center, a forest welfare facility on Geumseongsan Mountain (currently completed).

A city official said, “Since the water playground is vulnerable to virus infection and mainly used by infants and children who are currently unvaccinated, we decided to close it for the health and safety of citizens. During the closure period, after the end of COVID-19, we will do our best to enhance and manage the facilities better for a cool summer for local residents and tourists.”