Fostering Community Well-being Through Shared Sports Facilities
One of Walailak University’s core visions and missions is to be a leader in its community, with a strong emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), particularly in the area of health. Physical activity is a key factor in promoting better health for everyone, and access to standardized sports facilities is essential for safe and effective exercise, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance. Recognizing this, Walailak University is addressing the challenge of limited access to sports facilities in local communities by sharing all sports facilities with local communities, including local schools and community members, especially those facing budget constraints. By offering free access, WU fosters improved health and athletic development from the grassroots to the national level, reinforcing its role as a responsible and engaged member of the community.
One of Walailak University’s core visions and missions is to be a leader in its community, with a strong emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), particularly in the area of health. Physical activity is a key factor in promoting better health for everyone, and access to standardized sports facilities is essential for safe and effective exercise, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance. Recognizing this, Walailak University is addressing the challenge of limited access to sports facilities in local communities by sharing all sports facilities with local schools and community members—especially those facing budget constraints. Through diagnostic assessment of community needs, continuous development of facilities, and active community engagement, WU ensures that its sports and health initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and evidence-based. By offering free access, the university fosters improved health and athletic development from the grassroots to the national level, reinforcing its role as a responsible and engaged member of the community.
Supporting Local Schools
The university offers free access to its sports facilities, such as the Tumpung Central Stadium, to nearby schools, particularly Chumchonmai School, located behind the university. For example, during inter-school sports competitions, schools are able to use the stadium for practice sessions in events such as running and long jumping. Beyond schools, the university also extends this opportunity to early childhood development centers, including Wat Khok Lek early childhood development centers and Satit Walailak Pattana Community early childhood development centers, allowing them to use the facilities free of charge for swimming lessons. In addition, the university opens its front sports field to students from neighboring schools for practice, with lighting provided to enable safe nighttime use.
Figures : The children from local schools using sports facilities of WU
Engaging the General Public
The Tumpung Central Stadium not only provides sports facilities for local schools but is also accessible to the general public at no charge. It features a standard synthetic rubber track with nine lanes and spectator stands. Most people use the track for running in the evenings. The university provides amenities such as lighting, secure entry/exit gates, parking, and a beautifully maintained landscape. The Tumpung Central Stadium was officially opened to promote sports and exercise among the public and to host national and international sporting events, capable of accommodating over 3,000 participants.
Nearby, there is also an aerobics area that is open free of charge to the general public in local communities. Daily exercise sessions are led by instructors, including professors from the School of Nursing, who provide expert guidance along with sound systems to support the rhythm. In addition, other facilities are made available to the public, such as football fields, pétanque courts, badminton courts, and more.
Figures : The general public using shared sports facilities
Other Facilities Accessible to All
Walailak University boasts a comprehensive range of modern sports facilities, designed to host events from local training sessions to international competitions. These facilities are freely available to the community, promoting a culture of health and athletic excellence:
Tumpang Central Stadium
A premier venue capable of hosting national and international events, dedicated to advancing sports for professional development.
Tennis Courts
Eight competition-standard acrylic courts, illuminated for day and night use, complete with a practice knock board.
Golf Driving Range
Featuring 18 bays and a dedicated chipping and putting green.
Olympic Swimming Pool
An Olympic-standard competition and training pool, alongside a family pool, conveniently located near student dormitories and accessible via the university’s shuttle service.
Basketball Court
A standard 15 x 28-meter court suitable for both training and competitions.
Table Tennis Court
Equipped with standard tables for enthusiasts.
Physical Education Building
Houses courts for volleyball, basketball, and futsal, a boxing ring, and a fitness testing room.
Badminton Courts
Eight courts open to the public and local communities.
Petanque Courts
Ten courts for practice and competitions.
Aerobic Area
Available for aerobic dance sessions Monday through Thursday.
Fitness Center
A newly opened facility offering weightlifting and aerobic exercise options for individual or group use.
Artificial Turf Football Fields and Walailak Futsal Arena
Two 33 x 53-meter artificial turf football fields for training and competitions, plus a floodlit futsal arena for students and local athletes.
Volleyball and Sepak Takraw Courts
Standard courts for both training and competitions.
Fitness Room and Dance/Yoga Room
A fully equipped fitness room and a dedicated space for dance and yoga practices.
Broad Community Access and Engagement
Walailak University categorizes users to ensure equitable access to its free sports facilities:
- User A: Students and staff
- User B: Alumni association
- User C: Employees’ families
- User D: Non-member individuals
- User E: External organizations or agencies
- User F: General public
Impact and Outcomes
The widespread access to Walailak University’s sports facilities and free activities has yielded significant positive impacts:
- Youth Skill Development: Local schools and youth benefit immensely from access to standard facilities, enhancing skills in sports like swimming, tennis, and football. Regional and national competitions provide crucial platforms for showcasing talent.
- Promoting Community Health: Free access to exercise spaces and equipment encourages greater public participation in sports, leading to improved physical health and overall well-being.
- Strengthening University-Community Relationships: Collaborations between the university, local schools, and various agencies have solidified mutual support for sports and community development.
- Raising Local Sports Standards: By hosting international-standard events, such as the Chang FA Cup, Thailand-ITF World Tennis Tour International Tennis Tournament, Champions League Qualifier, and Nakhon Si Thammarat Taekwondo Championship, the community gains exposure to and engagement with global-level sports.
Walailak University Stadium Usage Statistics
In 2024 (academic year 2567), a total of 147,421 people utilized Walailak University’s sports facilities. The monthly figures varied throughout the year, with the highest recorded usage in November 2023 (20,126 people) and consistently high participation in July (16,118 people), August (16,427 people), and September 2024 (18,017 people). Usage was comparatively lower during the summer months, particularly in April (4,061 people) and May (3,697 people). These statistics highlight the significant role of Walailak University’s sports facilities in supporting both students and the surrounding community by providing accessible spaces for physical activity and health promotion.
Walailak University is truly a vital hub, driving sustainable health and sports development within the community. Its strategic focus on diagnostic evaluation, participatory engagement, and systematic measurement of health and performance outcomes empowers youth, enhances public health, and elevates sports standards regionally and nationally—fulfilling its mission to lead by example in community well-being and sustainable development.
Walailak University is truly a vital hub, driving sustainable health and sports development within the community, empowering youth, enhancing public health, and elevating sports standards regionally and nationally.
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals