No.54 Initial Facility Opening for Fiscal Year 2016

(Inagi Newsletter May 15, 2016 issue)

We would like to inform you that two new facilities have been established in the city since April of this year, following the completion of construction in the fiscal year 2015.

1. Inagi Nagamine Sports Plaza
   Last January, we opened the soccer field and futsal court ahead of schedule, and now the second phase of construction has been completed, making all facilities available for use.
   With the completion of the management building, changing rooms and showers are now available, and with the completion of the electrical facilities, nighttime lighting can be used, allowing access until 9 PM.
   The eastern half of the management building is used as a disaster prevention warehouse and a fire brigade warehouse. In addition to being a storage facility for the increased stockpiles due to the review of the damage assumptions in the regional disaster prevention plan, it also serves as a distribution center for stockpiled materials and relief supplies during disasters.
   Furthermore, with the completion of the lawn square, it has become available for use during ground golf and as a resting area while strolling.
   This facility is managed and operated by the Tokyo Verdy Group under the designated manager system, and it is expected to be used not only for proper management and effective use by citizens but also for soccer classes by Tokyo Verdy and Nippon TV Beleza, as well as for player training.
2. Fire Department Second Division Station
   The fire station in the Higashi-Naganuma area was originally established next to the railroad crossing of Inagi-Naganuma Station on the JR Nambu Line, along with a fire lookout tower. It was relocated due to the Land Readjustment Project, but while there was no prospect of securing land, a wooden temporary station was built on leased land and was in operation.
   After that, due to the securing of land at the current location, we decided to construct a permanent facility, and during the reconstruction work, we requested a temporary relocation to the prefabricated office at City Hall's 5th parking lot. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to the members of the second division and the Higashi-Naganuma area during this time, and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
   During the construction, we took ample time to exchange opinions with the Second Division and the local Neighborhood Association. Although there were budget and site constraints, we believe we were able to meet requests as much as possible.
   This facility has many features and innovations. In the section for the fire station, there is a room next to the garage that can be entered with shoes on, which is helpful for preparation for dispatch. The separate changing rooms and restrooms for men and women are the first of their kind in the city's fire stations, and I believe this will help promote the recruitment of female members in the future.
   In addition, there are storage warehouses and training rooms operated by the self-defense organization in a separate section from the station, and the entire facility is arranged to be used for various community activities.
   The development of such modern facilities is expected to contribute not only to the smooth operation of fire brigade activities and ensuring safety but also to the recruitment and retention of members.
   By the way, the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred on the 14th of last month reminded us once again of the suddenness and threat of natural disasters, and we reaffirmed the importance of preparedness. Currently, Inagi City is working on the development and renovation of facilities in accordance with the Fourth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan, and we will continue to incorporate improvements in disaster prevention functions in line with the original functions of each facility.