Kugenuma Seaside Park in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, reopened on June 1 as “Kugenuma Seaside Park HUG-RIDE PARK” (4-4-1 Kugenuma Kaigan, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture).
Kugenuma Seaside Park GROWING PARK Group (representative corporation: Odakyu Electric Railway) was selected as the operator for this project, the first in Fujisawa City to utilize the Park-PFI system. The park, which was established in 2001 as a playground for skateboarding, inline skating, and bicycle motocross (BMX), has been transformed into a skate park with even greater appeal through a complete renovation.
Since skateboarding was selected as an Olympic sport, action sports, including skateboarding, have been attracting attention, and the renewal work was undertaken with the concept of “creating a skate park that we can be proud of to the world. The skate park will be operated by Murasaki Sports, a member of the Kugenuma Seaside Park GROWING PARK Group. Admission to the skate park is 400 yen (general admission) on weekdays, with a two-part changeover system on Saturdays and Sundays.
The skate park section consists of a park area, beginner area, street area, ramp area, and BMX area. The park has a street area made entirely of concrete with handrails and stair-like steps, a combination pool for top-level competitions, a surf skate zone for surf-like riding, and a flat beginner area where beginners can practice without worries, catering to a wide range of skaters, riders and surfers. The company claims that it can accommodate skaters, riders, and surfers of all levels.
The actual demonstrations were given by staff members and contracted professional skaters, and they showed us some powerful slides and action. The skaters’ outstanding sense of balance left us overwhelmed, and before we knew it, a large number of galleries had gathered outside the fence. Helmets are required to be worn in the skate park, but the professional skaters’ demonstrations were held without helmets.
Other notable features include terraces and decks that allow non-entry visitors to see the players. Everyone can enjoy watching the speedy play with Enoshima Island and Sagami Bay in the background.
In addition to the skate park, commercial and park space has been added through renovation work. There are four buildings with space for tenants. Currently, only the Murasaki Park Kugenuma Kaihin Koen store of Murasaki Sports is open, but the company hopes to open other stores and restaurants by the end of the year.
Murasaki Park Kugenuma Kaihin Koen displays skateboarding equipment and other items, and is also the place to go to register for the skate park and pay admission fees. The store also rents items related to ocean activities other than skating, and sells ice cream and snacks, making it a place where people who want to spend time at the beach can stop by.
The path leading from the park entrance on Route 134 to the beach is named “Enoshima Way” and offers a dynamic view of Enoshima as one approaches the shoreline. Beyond that is a grassy area where families can relax and unwind. The parking lot with a capacity of 139 cars is conveniently located facing the ocean, and coin-operated showers and restrooms are available for surfers to use.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Shigeru Suzuki, President of Odakyu Corporation, Mr. Tsuneo Suzuki, Mayor of Fujisawa City, and Mr. Takeshi Hoshino, a member of the House of Representatives, took the stage. In his talk, he mentioned that Kugenuma Seaside Park, which used to be a municipal swimming pool, was reborn as a skate park in 2001, and after 20 years, Fujisawa City decided to conduct a major renovation by adopting the Park-PFI system for the first time to further enhance the park’s attractiveness. He expressed his determination to further develop the park, which has been loved by the local community, through the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors.
He also explained that the word “HUG” in the name of the event means “nurture” in terms of culture, people, and place.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.