Gyeonggi Province will allocate a budget of KRW 17.4 billion this year to promote the “Small Park Environment Creation Project” for the use of renewable energy at 34 sites around residential areas in 21 cities and counties.

The Small Park Environment Creation Project enables the utilization of renewable energy and eco-friendly materials to create small parks around residential areas. It has the effect of responding to the climate crisis by mitigating urban heat islands and heat waves, absorbing carbon, and reducing particulate matter. It is in line with the “Gyeonggi RE100 Vision” declared by Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim in April and is one of a number of newly promoted projects to increase the use of renewable energy in the public sector.

Gyeonggi Province recently completed a suitability review of the target sites after determining the demand for the project in June, and will pursue project implementation in earnest from this month.

The selected sites are located in 21 cities and counties, including Yongin, Siheung, Namyangju and Pocheon, and have a total combined area of 349,200 square meters. The project is 100% funded through the Gyeonggi provincial budget (KRW 17.4 billion).

In order to promote the Gyeonggi RE100 Vision, at least 20% of project funds must go to facilities that use renewable energy, and eco-friendly material products such as eco-friendly ochre and palm matting must be used.

In addition, park environments were drawn up with universal design elements – such as access roads, signage, and rest areas – to accommodate those with mobility challenges and to meet the requirements of the Accessible Living Environment certification.

Of particular note, in order to create parks tailored to Gyeonggi residents, the province plans to solicit opinions from residents in the design stage of the small parks and to hold informational meetings for residents when implementing the project.

Seol Jong-jin, Director of the Garden Industry Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, “The demand for parks and green spaces is becoming increasingly important as Gyeonggi residents increase their outdoor activities,” adding, “We will continue to strive to provide better opportunities for Gyeonggi residents by creating park facilities around their living areas, improving convenience for Gyeonggi residents and enhancing cityscapes while also expanding environmentally friendly infrastructure under the leadership of Gyeonggi Province.”