Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture: City's First Skateable Park Opens! Opening Ceremony Held

Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, has renovated "Kamo 6 Children's Park," leading to the creation of the city's first park where skateboarding is possible. An opening ceremony was held on April 4, the opening day, with approximately 120 attendees. On the day, the name of the skateboarding area was announced as "Kamoroku Skate Park," and demonstrations by professional skaters took place.

## 1. Skateboarding Area Name Decided by Public Vote

Through an online public vote (February 14 - March 8), we received **633** votes.

The name "**Kamoroku Skate Park**" (**453** votes) was selected from six candidates as the most popular choice!

The announcement was made to visitors during the ceremony.

## 2. Scenes from the Opening Ceremony

On the day, Kawanishi City Mayor, Kawanishi City Council Speaker, members of the Kawanishi City Skateboard Association who participated from the facility planning stage, Ms. Yukari Shuno (Du Moana LLC) who donated to the city, local community members, neighborhood association executives, and representatives from cooperating private companies gathered to celebrate the opening along with skaters eagerly awaiting the event.

Additionally, student council members from the local Kawanishi Minami Junior High School served as emcees for the ceremony. Demonstrations by two professional skaters (Mr. Rei Takasawa and Mr. Jinnosuke Okada) captivated young skaters.

After the ceremony, the park was opened to the public for skaters, and the Kawanishi City Skateboard Association held free trial sessions.

For more scenes from the day, visit! → https://www.instagram.com/city_kawanishi/

## 3. Voices from Ceremony Participants

### Kawanishi City Mayor, Kenjiro Koshida

"This initiative began with the voices of children and young people. Until now, due to complaints from nearby residents, we could only tell young people not to skateboard. We wanted to create a new place where they could skateboard. There were various challenges such as location, funding, and maintenance, but thanks to the cooperation of many people including NEXCO West Japan, Takarazuka Civil Engineering Office, Ms. Yukari Shuno, all participants in the crowdfunding, Kawanishi City Skateboard Association, local companies Hanshin Kankyo and Miyamoto Kensetsu, and local residents, this project was realized. I extend my gratitude to everyone who cooperated.

Moving forward, I hope that this place will become wonderful for the development of new sports, and I want young skaters to work together to create and uphold rules.

I sincerely hope that the new form of park in Kawanishi City will become a wonderful asset."

### Ms. Yukari Shuno (Du Moana LLC), who donated to this initiative

"I am truly delighted that my donation to the city for the development of new sports has come to fruition in this way. New sports, like skateboarding, can sometimes be subject to prejudice, where simply walking with a skateboard can lead to reports. This made me feel truly disheartened.

Coming here for the first time today, I am so pleased that something wonderful has been created, and I hope this place becomes a joyful and good place in the future."

### Mr. Jinnosuke Okada, skater who performed a demonstration on the day

"The space feels really good, and I think everyone just riding here will feel great.

The size and the ramps are just right, and I think users will find it easy to use. I like the atmosphere here, as it feels more like skating in the suburbs than in a large skatepark."

## 4. Park Overview

| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamo 6-chome, Kawanishi City (under the Chugoku Expressway overpass) |
| Facilities | Skateboard area: approx. 890㎡, 3-on-3 basketball court: 1 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Fee | Free |
| Access | Train: 25-minute walk from Hankyu Takarazuka Line 'Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station' or JR Takarazuka Line 'Kawanishi-Ikeda Station'. 15-minute walk from JR Takarazuka Line 'Kita-Itami Station'. Bus: 4-minute walk from 'Kushiroguchi' bus stop from Hankyu Takarazuka Line 'Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station' South Bus Terminal. Bicycle/Motorcycle: Use park bicycle parking. Car: Use park south parking lot (13 spaces). |
| Other | - Do not park if you are not a user. - The gate will be locked outside operating hours (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM), preventing entry/exit. - We are not responsible for accidents or theft within the premises. - Usage may be restricted without notice due to maintenance work, etc. - No restrooms or hand-washing facilities are available. |

**Please use the facility correctly and abide by the rules.**