Gimhae City has completed the Barrier-Free Urban Forest project at Yeonji Park, making the park’s lakeside walking path accessible to wheelchair users, families with strollers, and the elderly.
The project was part of the Korea Forest Welfare Institute’s Green Fund Competition, supported by the Korea Forest Service, and is now officially open to the public.
Designed to create a safer and more convenient walking environment for individuals with mobility challenges, the project began in January and was completed in June.
Out of the total budget of 800 million won, 480 million won (60%) was funded through the national lottery’s Green Fund. The city completed detailed design and preliminary barrier-free certification procedures last year.
Key upgrades include:
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Converting 650 meters of irregular stone paths around the lake into decking and yellow earth pavement
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Leveling two arched wooden bridges for smoother crossing
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Installing Braille guide signs at three park entrances
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Replacing uneven pavement and repainting disabled parking areas
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Adding outdoor seating and exercise equipment
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Planting 2,400 perennial plants, including reeds, juniper, and alliums, around the lakeside rest areas
The city also completed earlier upgrades in the first half of the year, including improvements to the children’s water play area, installation of a photo zone, and enhancement of tree landscapes.
Looking ahead, Gimhae plans to plant additional herbaceous perennials in the second half of the year to boost biodiversity and enhance the park’s seasonal beauty with a variety of flowers and fruits.
