Samrak Ecological Park’s Water Playground Shuts Down After Six Years Due to Coronavirus

Busan’s Samrak Ecological Park Water Playground Reopens After COVID-19 Hiatus

Breaking News: The beloved water playground at Samrak Ecological Park in Sasang-gu, Busan, has officially reopened its gates on July 26th, welcoming families and children after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility, a popular summer destination, will be accessible until August 24th, offering a much-needed recreational space for the community.

The water playground boasts a variety of attractions designed for young visitors, including swimming pools, a luxury pool, and exhilarating air slides. Complementing the water features are essential convenience facilities such as cooling shelters and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Operation will be conducted in three daily sessions, with a maximum capacity for each session to manage crowd flow and enhance visitor safety. The playground is primarily designed for children under elementary school age, and a guardian must accompany all child visitors. Entry to the water playground is free of charge, operating on a pre-booking and first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations will open on July 24th at 3 PM.

The reopening marks a significant return for the Samrak Ecological Park Water playground, which had been closed since 2020. This year, Busan City allocated an additional 450 million won in its budget to support the facility, recognizing the existing shortage of public water parks in the western mountainous region of the city. This investment underscores the city’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality recreational opportunities for its residents, particularly during the summer months.

Evergreen Insight: As cities increasingly prioritize public health and community well-being, the reopening of facilities like the Samrak Ecological Park Water Playground highlights the importance of adaptable urban planning. This initiative demonstrates a proactive response to the evolving needs of citizens, particularly families seeking safe and affordable leisure options. the long-term success of such public amenities often hinges on consistent investment, community engagement, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and accessibility, ensuring their value extends far beyond a single summer season. The allocation of additional funds for this park serves as a model for other municipalities looking to enhance their public recreational infrastructure, particularly in the wake of unexpected disruptions.

How did COVID-19 restrictions specifically impact the financial viability of Samrak Ecological ParkS water playground?

Samrak Ecological Park’s Water Playground Shuts Down After six Years Due too Coronavirus

the Impact of COVID-19 on Recreational Facilities

The Samrak Ecological Park’s popular water playground has permanently closed its doors after six years of operation, a direct consequence of the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The closure, effective July 24, 2025, marks a significant loss for families and visitors seeking recreational water activities in the region. This decision, while tough, reflects the prolonged challenges faced by the park in maintaining safe and financially viable operations amidst COVID-19 restrictions and evolving public health guidelines. The park’s management cited consistently reduced visitor numbers, increased operational costs related to enhanced sanitation protocols, and uncertainty surrounding future pandemic-related disruptions as key factors.

A Timeline of Restrictions and Challenges

The water playground initially suspended operations in March 2020, coinciding with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. While it briefly reopened with limited capacity and strict safety measures in the summer of 2020 and 2021, fluctuating infection rates and government mandates led to repeated closures and operational adjustments.

Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:

1. March – August 2020: Initial closure, followed by limited reopening with capacity restrictions, mandatory mask-wearing (where applicable), and enhanced cleaning procedures.
2. Summer 2021: Another brief reopening period, again with capacity limits and health protocols. Increased costs for sanitation and staffing.
3. Fall 2021 – 2024: Repeated closures and reopenings dictated by local health regulations. Significant decline in annual visitor numbers.
4. July 24, 2025: Permanent closure announced.

These constant shifts created significant operational instability and financial strain. Maintaining the water quality and safety standards of a water playground requires consistent operation and investment, which became unsustainable under the prevailing circumstances.

Financial Implications and Operational costs

The economic impact of the closure extends beyond the park itself. Local businesses that benefited from the influx of visitors – restaurants,hotels,and souvenir shops – will also feel the effects. The park’s management reported a consistent 60-70% decrease in revenue over the past three years.

Increased operational costs included:

Enhanced Sanitation: Frequent and thorough disinfection of all surfaces, water treatment systems, and common areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing PPE for staff and, in some cases, visitors.

Reduced Capacity: Limiting the number of visitors to ensure social distancing,resulting in lower revenue.

Staffing Costs: Increased staffing needs for monitoring compliance with health protocols.

COVID-19 Testing & Monitoring: Implementing employee testing programs.

These factors combined to create a financially untenable situation, ultimately leading to the difficult decision to close the water playground permanently.

The Future of Samrak Ecological Park

While the water playground is closing,Samrak Ecological Park remains open and continues to offer a range of other attractions,including hiking trails,nature exhibits,and picnic areas. Park officials are exploring options for repurposing the space formerly occupied by the water playground. Potential ideas include:

Expansion of Existing Nature Trails: Creating new walking and biking paths.

Progress of a Botanical Garden: Showcasing local flora and fauna.

Construction of an Outdoor Amphitheater: Hosting community events and performances.

Creation of a Conservation Education Centre: Focusing on environmental awareness and sustainability.

The park is actively seeking community input on these proposals to ensure that any future development aligns with the needs and interests of local residents and visitors. The park’s website and social media channels will be updated with information on these plans as they progress.

Impact on Local Tourism & recreation

the closure of the Samrak Ecological Park water playground highlights a broader trend of pandemic-related closures impacting the tourism and recreation industry. Water parks, amusement parks, and other similar attractions have faced unique challenges due to the nature of their operations and the heightened risk of virus transmission in crowded environments.This closure serves as a case study for other recreational facilities grappling with the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatives for water recreation in the area include nearby lakes and rivers,though these lack the controlled surroundings and dedicated facilities of a water playground. Local families are now seeking option summer entertainment options, perhaps increasing demand at other regional attractions.

Benefits of Ecological Parks & Green Spaces

Despite the closure, the continued operation of the broader Samrak Ecological Park underscores the vital role that green spaces play in community well-being. Ecological parks offer numerous benefits:

Environmental Conservation: Protecting biodiversity and natural habitats.

Recreational Opportunities: providing spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Educational Value: Promoting environmental awareness and understanding.

Improved Air Quality: Contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Mental Health Benefits: Reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Investing in and preserving these spaces is crucial for creating sustainable and resilient communities.