Osan City Opens New Municipal Central Senior Welfare Center to Replace Aging Facilities

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] A new Municipal Central Senior Welfare Center has been established at 852-25 Osandong, Osan City, to replace aging senior facilities, creating a living hub for local seniors. The city held a completion ceremony on the 29th and will begin full-scale operations starting in February.

The Municipal Central Senior Welfare Center was built through private-sector public contribution, adding significance as a case of community and private sector joining forces to expand the senior welfare infrastructure. The project also improved accessibility and convenience of use by securing new senior living space in the urban area through public contribution.

The facility is a three-story structure with approximately 238㎡ of total floor space. A distinctive feature is the separation of functions by floor level, considering seniors' usage patterns. The first floor contains a women's room and dining and kitchen facilities for daily use, while the second floor features a men's room and program room to enable leisure activities, communication, and community program operations.

Additionally, an elevator was installed to ensure seniors with mobility difficulties can safely use the facility, and "Barrier Free" standards were applied to improve accessibility and internal movement convenience. The relevant certification process is currently underway.

The city expects the completion of this Municipal Central Senior Welfare Center to create a local living hub where seniors can comfortably stay nearby and interact with neighbors. The city also plans to continue efforts in facility operation and maintenance to ensure all citizens can use it with confidence even after completion.

Mayor Lee Gwon-jae stated, "With a welfare facility for local seniors made possible through private-sector public contribution, we will continue to make efforts in expanding living-oriented welfare infrastructure to improve the quality of life for seniors."