Kadena opens nature play area

PACAF's first Nature Play Area with multiple play stations was opened in the Marek Park area on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2014. This Nature Play Area includes stations for climbing, creating art and digging in the sand. Parents with young children will find a variety of options for creative play in this new 17,000 square foot park. (Photo by Ryan Burger)

Kadena opens nature play area

(left to right) U.S. Air Force Col. Debra Lovette, 18th Mission Support Group commander, cuts the ribbon with Kiyoshi Higa, 18th Contacting Squadron contracting administrator; Staff Sgt. San Ha Guerrero, 18th CONS contracting administrator; Tom Harter, 18th Force Support Squadron facilities manager; and Maj. Joel Hearn, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron engineer flight commander, at the grand opening of the Marek Park Nature Play Area on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2014. Marek Park now boasts Pacific Air Force's first Nature Play Area with stations for a variety of creative play options. (Photo by Ryan Burger)

Kadena opens nature play area

Published Oct. 8, 2014
By Gordon Murdock
18th Force Support Squadron

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 18th Force Support Squadron officially opened a new Nature Play Area at Marek Park on Kadena Sept. 30, 2014. U.S. Air Force Col. Debra Lovette, 18th Mission Support Group commander, provided comments about the park and then cut the ribbon joined by personnel from 18th FSS, 18th Contracting Squadron and 718th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The 17,000 square foot play area features a walking path through several stations of play where children can climb, create art, dig in the sand and more limited only by their imagination...and their mom or dad. The idea is a departure from traditional playgrounds and is intended to promote creative play in a natural setting.

This project was funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense with more such play areas being constructed at installations throughout the world. Here at Kadena, the project was completed 60 days ahead of schedule thanks to the efforts of 18th CONS personnel.

"Kadena was the first Pacific Air Forces base to complete construction of this nature-themed park", said Col. Kathleen Weatherspoon, 18th FSS commander. "It's a wonderful addition to the community and will provide parents with young children a unique nature experience."