Matsudo City's Parks Become More Welcoming and Fun: Introducing Parks with 'Inclusive Playground Equipment' / A New Initiative from 'Matsudo, a City Easy for Child-Rearing' to Spread Smiles from Local Playgrounds

Matsudo City is currently promoting the introduction of inclusive playground equipment in its parks as part of its 'Making a City Easy for Child-Rearing' initiative. While a social media video showcasing the charms of Yukari Kotsu Park was recently released, this time we broaden our perspective to feature playgrounds where everyone can smile together.

Inclusive playground equipment is designed to allow everyone—children with and without disabilities, regardless of age, gender, or nationality—to play together without barriers. It is packed with features that cater to diverse needs, such as sound-making equipment for the visually impaired, swings that allow children who have difficulty maintaining their posture to lean back and ride, and contraptions that stimulate senses like sight and touch.

The 'Park Redevelopment Guidelines' established by Matsudo City also clearly state the promotion of creating such accessible parks for everyone. Instead of having to travel to special, distant places, the city is gradually developing these facilities to expand inclusive environments in familiar neighborhood parks. This time, we will introduce three parks in the city where you can enjoy inclusive playground equipment.

■ Koganehara Park

In 2023, Koganehara Park, a lush green space, became the first in Matsudo City to install an inclusive swing with a support seat. The park aims to be a safe place for young children, with barrier-free improvements based on opinions from workshops with local residents. Its greatest feature is its flat design, which minimizes steps, making it accessible to everyone.

From toddlers just starting to walk to those using strollers or wheelchairs, everyone can play freely without worrying about tripping. It is a spot that symbolizes a new step for Matsudo City, starting from a familiar local park.

【Facility & Access Information】

・Location: 6-10 Koganehara, Matsudo City

・Access: 28-minute walk from Tokiwadaira Station on the Keisei Matsudo Line; 7-minute walk from the 'Gyosei Center' bus stop via Keisei Bus West from JR Kita-Kogane Station.

■ Shin-Matsudo Central Park

New inclusive playground equipment was also added last year to Shin-Matsudo Central Park, located about a 13-minute walk from Shin-Matsudo Station. A popular feature here is the 'disc-shaped swing' that allows multiple people to ride while lying down. Children with weak core strength who find it difficult to sit up can experience the comfort of swinging and the breeze with friends and family. Additionally, an 'elevated sandbox,' designed high like a table, has been introduced, allowing those in wheelchairs to play with the sand in a comfortable posture.

【Facility & Access Information】

・Location: 6-22 Shin-Matsudo, Matsudo City

・Access: 13-minute walk from JR Shin-Matsudo Station; 2-minute walk from the 'Shisho-mae' bus stop via Keisei Bus West from JR Shin-Matsudo Station.

■ 21st Century Forest and Square 'Asobi no Sumika' (Play Nook)

The vast comprehensive park representing Matsudo City, '21st Century Forest and Square.' The 'Asobi no Sumika' in the Light and Wind Plaza is a unique and safe playground that harmonizes with the greenery. The park is equipped with large, original playground equipment that incorporates an inclusive perspective. It features a 'Geo Mountain' with an adjacent 'elevated sandbox' where wheelchair users can play with sand while seated, as well as sound-making equipment like 'Pipe Chimes' and 'Roller Maracas' that anyone can enjoy regardless of their physical characteristics. It is a special space wrapped in kindness where everyone can have the same exciting and safe adventure together.

【Facility & Access Information】

・Location: 269 Sendabori, Matsudo City

・Access: 15-minute walk from Yabashira Station on the Keisei Matsudo Line and JR Shin-Yabashira Station. It can also be accessed via Keisei Bus West from JR Shin-Yabashira, Mabashi, and Shin-Matsudo Stations.

For more details, please check the Matsudo City website.

https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/shisetsu-guide/kouen_ryokuka/top/koutuu.html

In addition, inclusive playground equipment is being installed in other parks throughout the city, so please take a look.

https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/shisei/toshiseubi/kouen/inclusiveyugu.html