Playground for All: Nike’s New Community Space in Seoul Revitalizes Youth Sports and Play

In Seoul, Nike’s Inclusive Playground for All Inspires Youth to Move, Connect, and Embrace Sport.

Nike has opened its second “Playground for All” in Seoul, expanding its mission to promote inclusive play for youth. This new playground is located in Gangnam’s Gaepo-dong neighborhood and revamps two older basketball courts.

Nike partnered with ChildFund Korea and the district of Gangnam to make the transformation possible.

The renovations have created dynamic spaces tailored to encourage movement and community. One court is now a multi-purpose sports area, inviting young people to explore various sports. The second court focuses on 3-on-3 basketball, a popular and rapidly growing sport worldwide.

Each court reflects Nike’s commitment to creativity and sustainability. Nature-inspired designs throughout the playground provide a lively, colorful backdrop. Nike also used recycled materials donated through its Recycling + Donation program.

These upgrades aim to address a real need in South Korea. With many young people leading busy, sedentary lives, physical activity levels among Korean youth have steadily declined. Nike encourages local kids to embrace active play daily by creating fun, inclusive spaces.

Nike hopes the playgrounds inspire children to move, connect, and build self-confidence. The goal is simple yet essential: get kids moving and help them feel more comfortable in social spaces.

To support this, Nike will launch programming based on its Active Modoo initiative at the new playground. “Modoo” means “everyone” in Korean, and this initiative aims to make physical activity available to all.

The initiative began in 2022, and Nike has continued expanding it in local communities. Active Modoo helps kids stay active, engaged, and confident by encouraging them to enjoy daily movement. The program fosters a positive relationship with sports so young people can feel good about participating.

Nike’s second Playground for All in Seoul builds on the success of its first playground, which opened in the Geumcheon district last year. Each space combines Nike’s values of inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability. These playgrounds demonstrate Nike’s commitment to providing welcoming spaces for young people to explore and play.

For Nike, this project is more than just building playgrounds. It’s about creating a sense of community and belonging for young people. Nike empowers kids to move confidently and find joy in sports by establishing safe, inclusive areas.

Beyond the physical space, Nike also emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness. The courts’ Recycling + Donation program reduces waste by repurposing consumer-donated materials. In this way, the playground reflects Nike’s broader environmental mission and commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Visual elements play a significant role in this vibrant space. Nature-inspired graphics blend seamlessly with the park’s existing aesthetic, creating a playful, inviting atmosphere. Each design element encourages children to enjoy the surroundings while staying active.

Nike’s Playground for All projects are part of a global push for inclusive, accessible play spaces. Nike continues expanding its reach and impact from Seoul to Tokyo and Paris. The company hopes to spark a worldwide movement for inclusive play by creating spaces where kids feel welcome.

In addition to building playgrounds, Nike has convened “Coach the Dream” summits in several major cities. These gatherings bring together partners, coaches, and experts to discuss youth sports’ future. Nike aims to foster an inclusive, empowering approach to youth sports coaching.

Through these summits, Nike tackles issues such as gender disparities and accessibility in sports. In Japan and France, Nike has also released guides to help communities reduce barriers to sports for girls.

In partnerships with brands like Dove and Spotify, Nike focuses on removing social barriers that can prevent girls from participating in sports. The ultimate goal is to create supportive spaces for girls in sports globally.

Nike’s new Playground for All in Seoul also seeks to build community. The playground’s lively design and multi-use functionality offer spaces for kids of all backgrounds and abilities. By blending sport, art, and community spirit, Nike creates an environment where kids can express themselves freely.

The playground’s launch comes at a crucial time for Seoul’s youth. Physical activity often takes a back seat as kids face academic pressures and digital distractions. Nike hopes to counter these trends by offering inviting, accessible spaces for movement and connection.

This initiative provides a playground and a social hub where kids can gather, share, and build friendships. Nike believes positive social experiences can make sports and play more meaningful. The playground also supports mental and emotional well-being by fostering a sense of community.

Each court offers something unique, encouraging kids to explore their interests and try new activities. Kids find opportunities to move and connect, whether they play basketball, learn a new sport, or enjoy the space. Nike wants every child to feel welcome and included.

Nike’s vision for Playground for All extends beyond individual cities. By creating inclusive spaces worldwide, Nike aims to set a standard for sustainable, supportive youth programs. Through each playground, the company strives to make movement and sport a natural part of everyday life.

Nike’s latest playground in Gaepo-dong is a local example of a global movement. Each element, from sustainable materials to inclusive programming, shows Nike’s dedication to building a brighter future for youth sports. As kids embrace these spaces, Nike hopes to inspire a lifelong love for movement and play.

The playground’s nature-inspired graphics and recycled materials align with Nike’s global sustainability goals. Every detail reflects Nike’s commitment to protecting the planet while supporting young athletes. For Nike, these playgrounds show that environmental responsibility and community engagement go hand in hand.

Nike’s playgrounds are part of a broader vision to create a world where every child can access sports and play. By creating spaces where kids can feel safe, included, and inspired, Nike hopes to make a lasting impact.

In Seoul, Nike’s second Playground for All has quickly become a source of pride and inspiration for the Gangnam district. Kids now have a place to call their own, where they can play freely and confidently. The playground offers more than just sports facilities—it provides a place to dream and grow.

With more playgrounds planned, Nike continues to expand its mission to promote inclusive, sustainable youth sports. The Playground for All initiative remains a central part of Nike’s vision for the future. By creating spaces where every child feels welcome, Nike empowers the next generation to live active, fulfilling lives.

For local youth, the playground is more than just a place to play; it symbolizes opportunity and hope. Nike’s efforts show that sports can be a powerful tool for building confidence, joy, and community.

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