Yongin City Accelerates 'Green Zone Project' at Schools to Combat Climate Crisis

Yongin City to Build Rainwater Circulation Natural Grass Sports Field at Hyeonam Elementary School in Suji-gu
Transforming School Grounds into a Community Park and Shelter for Youth and the Elderly
Mayor Lee Sangil: "Schools Will Serve as Climate Crisis Response Hubs and Ecological Retreats for Residents"

Yongin Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Sangil) will transform some school sports fields into heatwave shelters and other climate crisis response hubs for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

Bird's-eye view of the Hyunamcho Rainwater Circulation Natural Grass Sports Field. Provided by Yongin City

Yongin Special City announced on April 16 that it will carry out the "Sports Field Climate Adaptation Green Zone Project" with a total project budget of 600 million won, including 300 million won in national government funding.

Previously, the city was selected for the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s 2026 support program for climate crisis vulnerable groups, securing 300 million won in national funds.

As the climate crisis leads to more severe summer heat waves and a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses, the city plans to expand investment in facilities to protect the health and safety of vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The city will promote the "Sports Field Climate Adaptation Green Zone Project" utilizing public school facilities, designating Hyeonam Elementary School, located in Jukjeon 1-dong, Suji-gu, as a hub for vulnerable groups facing the climate crisis.

At Hyeonam Elementary School, a rainwater circulation natural grass sports field will be established. This system stores rainwater and uses it to maintain the grass, supporting the growth and management of the turf.

The rainwater circulation natural grass sports field is recognized for enabling stable turf maintenance without a separate irrigation system, helping prevent flood damage during heavy rain, and alleviating the urban heat island effect.

The city also plans to plant trees and install resting facilities in unused spaces around the school, creating heatwave shelters for local residents. An eco-friendly track will be built on part of the sports field.

Accordingly, Hyeonam Elementary School will open its sports field to the public after school hours and on weekends. The heatwave shelter and other spaces at the school will serve as a community park for local residents, including youth and the elderly.

In 2024, the city established a rainwater circulation natural grass sports field at Seongsan Elementary School in Cheoin-gu, and plans to build a natural turf field at Eonnam Elementary School in Giheung-gu.

Mayor Lee Sangil stated, "Transforming school spaces into everyday shelters and urban forests where local residents can rest, without hindering the educational environment, is a very meaningful endeavor. We will ensure the project proceeds smoothly."

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