Students engage in physical exercises at schools during the summer holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: ttbs2012]

Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province and host city of the Asian Games, has taken innovative steps to promote public fitness and meet the growing demand for personalized exercise spaces, with 1,184 facilities in primary and secondary schools across the city open to the public, local media reported.

Local residents expressed appreciation for the move, as it provides them with convenient access to high-quality sports amenities in their neighborhoods.

For instance, Qianjiang Foreign Languages Experimental School has upgraded its outdoor lighting facilities and added changing rooms to enhance the fitness experience for local residents. This development has significantly increased the utilization of shared urban spaces, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

To ensure smooth operations and facilitate reservations, local authorities have collaborated with a local high-tech company to optimize the Campus Fitness Smart Platform. Through an app on mobile phones, residents can conveniently access real-time information on school availability and register for outdoor or indoor facilities.

Governments at the district level have also joined the initiative, providing additional services and amenities. For example, Gongshu district has equipped all open-air school facilities with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to ensure safety during exercise. Binjiang district allocates an annual fund of 100,000 yuan ($14,000) for maintaining and operating school sports facilities, alongside dedicated public liability insurance.

With 1.79 million visits to schools for public fitness recorded by early August, Hangzhou has witnessed a surge in enthusiasm for fitness activities.

Students engage in physical exercises at schools during the summer holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: ttbs2012]