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Sunabe Baba Park safety concerns

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Sunabe Baba Park, located near the Seawall in Chatan Town, attracts children and teenagers from all over the island and members of the residents of Sunabe Ward have expressed concern for some of the children's safety.

The park includes a skating park, dolphin-shaped playground, softball field and basketball court and Shoji Matsuda, Sunabe District Chief, said he concerned for the children playing in the streets near the park.

"The skate park was built here because many kids, including Americans, like to skateboard and I wanted to make sure they had a safe place to practice," said Mr. Matsuda. "I am concerned that there are many American children that are riding in the streets and I am afraid they might get hit by a car."

The streets leading to and surrounding the park are very narrow and often congested, and skating and other activities alike are only allowed in designated areas inside the park.

"Parents must ensure their children understand safety rules and why they are important," said Lorie Bellamy, 18th Wing, ground safety manager. " It is extremely dangerous to skate board in the street, we must constantly remind our children of this; as parents we must instill a safety mindset."