Announcement of the 2014 Business Evaluation (Basic Green Plan)

In Inagi City, we are engaged in community development focused on water and greenery based on the "Inagi City Green Basic Plan" revised in fiscal year 2011.
Below, we will report on the projects implemented in fiscal year 2014 and the evaluation results from third-party organizations.

1 Green Ring Conservation and Utilization Project

Policy Name: Designation and Expansion of Natural Environment Conservation Areas

Business Report

No specification

External Evaluation

It is unfortunate that new designations could not be made. It was good that the land owned by Komazawa Gakuen ultimately became a residual green space (which can be preserved) as promised during construction.
It was good to take action to change the candidate site in response.
Negotiations with landowners are expected to be difficult, but it is regrettable that new designations were not made.
Even though the land owned by Komazawa Gakuen could not be designated, it was good to know that preservation is possible. The green space visible from the classroom is full of nature and is nice.
I understand that persuading landowners is difficult due to their individual circumstances. I would like to commend the flexibility shown in changing the order of designations based on the situation, moving forward from places that seem feasible. I look forward to future results.
Overall, I think the project is progressing as planned, so I evaluate it positively.
Encouraging the designation of preservation areas will help prevent landowners from easily parting with their land, which I believe will ultimately lead to the preservation of greenery. However, I also think it is inevitable that the management condition after designation may not always be maintained well.

Policy Name: Training, Organizing, and Supporting Activities for Forest Management Volunteers

Business Report

Planning and Consideration

External Evaluation

It seems that there are no activity groups found, but if efforts are being made towards the Neighborhood Association Federation, that is a positive sign.
It is necessary to take a careful approach.
Volunteer activities are very difficult.
We have not been able to discover organizations that can collaborate. I think a shift in thinking is needed to utilize forest areas as a place for environmental education for elementary school students and to appoint students as volunteers.
I think private forest areas are challenging.
Since this is a planned item to be established by the fiscal year 2016, I would like to see concrete actions taken within the fiscal year 2015.
I think it is good to change the approach method.
There have not been any results worthy of evaluation.
While it is unavoidable that we cannot grasp the intentions of organizations willing to participate, I wonder if there is a way to increase opportunities to connect with people who have potential for outreach from the city.

2. Local Green Space Development Project

Policy Name: Formulation of Appropriate Park Placement Policy in Established Urban Areas

Business Report

Identify park deficiency areas on the map

External Evaluation

Parks are secured within the Land Readjustment Project.
The results can be evaluated.
It seems difficult to gather voices on where the needs of citizens lie, but understanding the parks that need to be developed is important.
It is good that there are no dangerous play equipment.
First, it is important to understand the relevant area.
The goal is to formulate a placement policy during the second phase, but there are no further goal settings in the third and fourth phase action plans.
From a disaster prevention perspective, there is no room for complacency, so I would like you to consider adding action plans in the third and fourth phases to proceed steadily until the park installation is completed.
Personally, I believe this is the project that requires the most sense of urgency.
I appreciate that the situation regarding the shortage of target parks has been understood.
I often think that parks in the existing urban area serve as an oasis for parenting residents.
The ability to investigate and understand the areas of shortage should be appreciated.

Policy Name: Consideration of the Leasehold Park System

Business Report

Announcement of the opening of Shimozukato Children's Square on April 1, 2014
Regarding the interaction children's square, land was donated by the landowner.

External Evaluation

The parks that have been opened and the progress in park applications are commendable.
The results can be evaluated.
Achievements have been accumulated.
I believe it is important to utilize the limited land as parks, but it seems essential to create parks that do not limit the number of users.
The opening of new squares and the receipt of land donations are impressive. I hope for further developments in fiscal year 2015.
I expect that the children's square will be more securely guaranteed as a park by being included in the leased park system.
The offer of donations can be considered an achievement. Moreover, if there is a children's square in areas lacking parks, I have even higher expectations for the future.
I appreciate that we were able to bring Shimotsukato Park to the announcement of its opening.
I often think that parks in established urban areas serve as an oasis for parenting residents.
The ability to investigate and understand areas with park shortages should be recognized.
Since this system can compensate for park shortages, I hope for flexible responses to landowners to ensure continued availability.

Policy Name: Renovation of Nearby Parks

Business Report

Inagi North Green Space Park (pathway renovation, installation of health equipment), Inagi Central Park (partial conversion of park lights to LED), Higashi Park (hill repair), Kasayato Waterside Park (drainage improvement for farmland), Hirao Yato Park (installation of handrails), Omaru Waterside Park (pathway paving), and others.

• Note: Underlined items are citizen requests
• Note: As a result of the playground equipment inspection, there are no dangerous play equipment.

External Evaluation

The installation, inspection, and repair of playground equipment are in progress.
The results can be evaluated.
The maintenance has been completed.
Maintenance based on safety is considered essential for parks.
It is good that there are no dangerous play equipment.
Even if the maintenance content is not directly related to "greenery," it is very important to be properly managed and maintained to be a space loved and continuously used by the local community.
I would like to request further renovations that capture future needs.
The goals lack specificity and cannot be evaluated.
It seems that the project report has a self-satisfied evaluation.
As a city, the inspection of playground equipment is also important.
I think that utilizing the adopt-a-park system could also be effective for interaction between young and old.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Maintenance of Lawned Schoolyards, Rooftop Greening)

Business Report

(Maintenance of the Lawn Schoolyard)
Inagi Dai 6 Elementary School, Nagamine Elementary School, Hirao Elementary School, Koyodai Elementary School, Inagi Dai 2 Junior High School, Inagi Dai 4 Junior High School
(Rooftop Greening)
Inagi Dai 1 Elementary School, Minamiyama Elementary School

External Evaluation

The greening of schoolyards and their management is ongoing, with some variations in scale. The grass at the 6th Elementary School is excellent.
The steady efforts are commendable. In particular, the management of the grass at the 2nd Junior High School is outstanding.
Due to on-site inspections, the evaluation by the responsible department has decreased. (Implemented only at the 6th Elementary School)
Maintaining the grass is more challenging than the initial installation. Without a clear vision, it is difficult to maintain the grass. Regarding rooftop greening, if we are not satisfied with the installation and can incorporate management as part of student research, it could become a more meaningful investment.
There is a sense of variation depending on the region.
I thought the grass at the 2nd Junior High School truly reflects the Hirao and Sakahama areas.
Regarding the greening of schoolyards, even if there are variations in area and management conditions, I appreciated the sentiment of starting with one step.
Of course, there are excellent cases where it is utilized as a soccer field, and even small corners are reportedly used for warm-up exercises in physical education classes, which made me realize that we are nurturing children who are familiar with greenery.
While maintaining and managing requires effort, I felt it is a project with significant meaning and the immense effect of "green education" (Ryokuiku: nurturing greenery).
The rooftop greening at the school has just been completed, so I look forward to what comes next.
I judge that the project goals have been achieved.
Even with variations in the area of greening and management conditions, the value of their existence in schools is high.
Seeing the current situation at the 2nd Junior High School, I realized that cooperation from the PTA and the community is essential.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Elementary and Junior High Schools)

Business Report

Implementation (continuation) of green curtains at 17 Elementary and Junior High Schools

External Evaluation

As a green curtain, it is currently being implemented with gourds and loofahs, and management is also being carried out.
It is influenced by the enthusiasm of the school’s efforts.
There is a need to resolve management issues.
The schools implementing this account for 24% of the total, and it is questionable whether this movement will spread in the future. We should clarify the reasons for discontinuation, whether it is a matter of necessity or management issues, and consider future responses.
I think managing during the summer vacation is quite challenging for schools.
Is it that the boom has passed in the school setting, as the number of schools implementing this has drastically decreased?
I would like the responsible department to not only tally the numbers but also to inquire about the reasons for discontinuation.
This change in reduction is very interesting to me as a committee member.
If there are adverse effects, it is necessary to list and analyze them and devise countermeasures. I would like to request awareness-raising based on reality.
In the future, to achieve business goals, I hope to compile successful examples from schools that are doing well and use them as awareness materials for schools that have not implemented this. I want the responsible department to recognize that the responsibility for failures lies with them. If there are differences in efforts among schools, I believe guidance should be provided to eliminate those differences.
It is difficult to continue without a designated person within the school.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Municipal Nursery School)

Business Report

Implementation (continuation) of flower beds, green curtains, and vegetable gardens at 4 Nursery Schools

External Evaluation

The Nursery School is currently implementing flower beds, green curtains, and vegetable gardens.
The efforts of the Nursery School are commendable.
It seems that they are working with specific goals in mind.
They are properly nurturing the children's feelings towards plants and flowers.
I have the impression that they are effectively incorporating this into their childcare tools.
The reports are detailed and create a vivid image, bringing a sense of peace.
I hope they continue to raise children who are familiar with greenery.
I judge that the project goals have been achieved.
I heard that they allow the children to directly interact with the flowers, green curtains, and vegetable gardens they have grown. I believe this is possible because it is integrated into the childcare program.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Cultural Center, i Plaza)

Business Report

Implementation of green curtains at 4 Cultural Centers (continuation)・Maintenance of rooftop greening (continuation) (i Plaza)

External Evaluation

Cultural Center and i Plaza are currently implementing rooftop greening.
The efforts of each Cultural Center are being recognized.
Regarding the use of "Ocean Blue," it has a strong short-day characteristic and is a perennial plant, so if it is not overwintered, I feel that "Morning Glory" is more suitable in terms of flowering and later management. Additionally, for the purpose of harvesting, I think that increasing the variety with options like bitter melon, loofah, green beans, and cucumbers would make it less monotonous.
It is good that the green curtain has the effect of softening direct sunlight at the windows.
This year was particularly hot, so I think it was effective.
Since containers are installed in places where people gather and there is foot traffic, it is good that they are visible. Therefore, they may be growing (managed) well.
The goal for the five Cultural Centers is implemented in four centers, which is a somewhat lenient evaluation, but I marked it as satisfactory.
At the Third Cultural Center, it has been reduced compared to last year. I feel that more proactive continuation is difficult.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Community Promotion Plaza)

Business Report

Maintenance (Continuation) of the Green Roof at the Community Promotion Plaza

External Evaluation

The roof of the Community Promotion Plaza is under construction. The management situation remains as it was at the time of planting.
Since there are no facilities for maintenance, sufficient management cannot be expected.
Due to the site inspection, the evaluation by the responsible department has been lowered.
Maintenance and continuity are challenging.
There is an impression that it is a difficult construction for water management (water accumulation).
Maintenance is not being done well (rooftop greening of the Community Promotion Plaza).
At the time the building was constructed, rooftop greening was expected to meet the greening rate, but it seems that sufficient facilities were not provided.
Since the roof is usually closed, daily maintenance seems quite difficult. Nevertheless, the surface temperature was completely different between the areas with soil and plants and the concrete areas, so it seems that there is an effect of mitigating the heat island phenomenon.
Even if it is due to the era when the concept of rooftop greening had not yet permeated, it is regrettable that the design lacks sufficient facilities.
I will evaluate it just for maintaining the current situation. I hope for quality improvement in the future and that good greenery will be maintained in the final year.
I felt that the condition of the sedum was worse than last year, but compared to the adjacent flat area that is not greened, the surface temperature was lower, and I felt the effect of rooftop greening. Since it is a secluded roof with no risk of spreading to the neighborhood, I have heard opinions that if we increase drought-resistant weeds or wild mustard instead of sedum, we can secure a lot of greenery in adversity.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Health Plaza)

Business Report

Maintenance (Continuation) of the Rooftop Greening at Inagi City Health Plaza

External Evaluation

Management is currently being conducted by the designated administrator. Despite having irrigation facilities, many areas appear to be withered.
The management is fairly adequate.
Due to the site inspection, the evaluation by the responsible department has decreased.
Although the Liriope muscari does not grow tall even when fully extended, it may be easy to manage, but I think it is a waste to occupy 261 square meters solely with Liriope muscari. Even in an environment that is not easily accessible to the general public, I believe it is possible to promote the rooftop's condition to those utilizing it, so there may be room for consideration.
Since the inspection was conducted in midsummer, I did not find the condition to be very good (rooftop greening of Inagi City Health Plaza).
It is good that measures for rooftop greening were implemented at the design stage, and it is equipped with a timer for watering.
Since it can be seen from a distance from some patient rooms in the City Hospital, I believe there are people who feel relaxed by the greenery.
Having only one type of Liriope muscari is a bit lonely, but since it is usually a closed area, it may be realistic to say that.
I think the successful pruning of the Liriope muscari is the reason for its good condition.
I am worried that if a good condition cannot be maintained with the Liriope muscari.
Some areas are withered.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (City Hospital)

Business Report

Maintenance (continuation) of the Inagi City Hospital Health Checkup Outpatient Building and the Rooftop Greenery of the Multi-story Parking Lot

External Evaluation

No complaints.
It is managed continuously.
The evaluation by the responsible division was lowered due to on-site inspections.
The planting is considerate of the landscape, and the management is also good.
The multi-story parking lot was very good. The greenery around the hospital was also abundant and nice.
I would like the outpatient building for hospital check-ups to be filled with greenery, even if it is just weeds.
The combination of trees that bloom with colors in each season is well-structured and has a high level of completion.
It has watering facilities and regular trimming is not neglected.
It seems that from the beginning, the management of the parking lot and green spaces has been outsourced to business operators, and I felt it was professional work (rooftop greening of the City Hospital outpatient check-up building and i Plaza).
I appreciate that a good condition is being maintained.
I think there is a reason why not only the Liriope but also low shrubs like Abelia are well-maintained. I want to explore that reason and see if it can be utilized in other places.
The maintenance condition is good.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (SHIROYAMA EXPERIENCE STUDY INSTITUE)

Business Report

Maintenance (Continuation) of Rooftop Greening at SHIROYAMA EXPERIENCE STUDY INSTITUE

External Evaluation

Due to the surrounding forest, it is difficult to manage because seeds of grass and trees are scattered.
It has not been well managed.
Since about one-fifth of the area shows signs of wilting, it seems necessary to replant.
There is a lot of greenery in the surrounding area, but due to the extreme heat, it does not seem that the greenery is being maintained (SHIROYAMA EXPERIENCE STUDY INSTITUE rooftop greening).
Perhaps because I visited at a different time than when the photo was taken, it appeared to be wilting in the summer from a distance.
It is a relatively new facility, and it seems to be designed with rooftop greening incorporated, so basically, the rooftop is not accessible to the general public, but I wanted to conduct a site inspection.
I appreciate that appropriate grass cutting and weeding are being carried out and that the greening is being maintained.
I think that white clover and screw grass were planted for a purpose, but I believe they may not be suitable as materials for greening.
Because it is a place surrounded by greenery, weeds stand out.

Policy Name: Consideration of Maintenance Management that Reflects Natural Tree Shapes (Parks)

Business Report

Implemented at Inagi Central Park

External Evaluation

Currently being implemented in specific parks.
Regarding the woodland area of Shiroyama Park, it is commendable that priority was given to logging to aim for safe and secure walking paths due to the noticeable dead trees.
It is said that work was only carried out in Inagi Central Park, making it difficult to evaluate just one park.
The natural tree shape is considered to be the ideal form of trees. If left unattended, branches and leaves will grow to fill the space, appearing natural at first glance. However, due to the density of thick leaves, the lower branches will decline and die, leaving only the upper branches. It seems essential to maintain the quality of the trees, the density of branches and leaves, the length of the skeletal branches in proportion to the tree height, and the distance between trees. Regarding the parks, safety should be ensured while following the goals, and it is difficult to evaluate as it is unclear what actions are being taken.
The scope seems too broad and challenging.
The project report is unclear, and it is hard to visualize.
I would like a more specific report on which area of the central park was selected, what kind of trees were chosen, and how they were pruned, or if they are observing the progress without pruning.
Since the central park has a wide woodland area and the no-entry zones have a low risk of accidents, I think it is appropriate to start here.
Once it is on track, it would be good to inform the public through announcements.
The project goal is five parks, but implementation is in one park, so participation is reasonable.
I do not understand what is meant by natural tree shape, but if pruning is to maintain the natural tree shape, then sufficient budget should be secured.
If there is no budget, I think the project goals should be changed, or the evaluation will always be △.
From the nearby Hirao neighborhood park, I feel that the management allows one to sense nature.

Policy Name: Consideration of Maintenance Management that Reflects Natural Tree Shapes (Roads)

Business Report

Appropriate development and management of the current two routes have been carried out.

External Evaluation

Unable to confirm.
I would like some maintenance to be carried out on the Tama River Cycling Road.
According to the report, it seems that pruning work was carried out on two routes, although it did not result in a natural tree shape. By considering the growth environment, spacing between trees, species, physiology, and balance with tree height, we can achieve the desired natural tree shape through proper branch reduction pruning. Especially when the same business operators are performing the work, it tends to be similar to previous work, and guidance seems necessary.
I think year-round growth management is challenging due to weather conditions (this season on the Tama River Cycling Road and Misawa River side road).
I believe it would be sufficient to investigate the timing of not cutting off flower buds for flowering trees and to determine the pruning periods (in order) for each route in the city.
I think that both now and in the past, gardeners have been pruning in a way that enhances the natural tree shape.
I really cannot evaluate it. I do not know what to do. The people in the management department may understand, but I do not. I believe the goal is to manage the roadside trees in a way that conveys a natural tree shape, but currently, I cannot truly evaluate it.

3. New Urban Area Green Creation Project

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Schools, etc.)

Business Report

In February 2015, the construction of Minamiyama Elementary School and the greening project of Minamiyama Elementary School were completed as scheduled, and the greening of the site and rooftop was developed as planned.

External Evaluation

The greening work on the grounds of Minamiyama Elementary School has been completed, and it is commendable.
The greening efforts at Minamiyama Elementary School are being recognized.
The rooftop greening has been implemented. However, considering its utility in elementary schools, it seems a waste to limit its benefits to just mitigating the heat island effect and temperature moderation. In the future, if it can be utilized for educational purposes, it would be a more effective investment.
I hope that the greening can be well maintained.
With the hard aspects completed as planned, attention will now turn to the methods of maintenance and management going forward.
I am very interested in what kind of results will emerge with the latest concepts and facilities.
The completion of the rooftop greening at Minamiyama Elementary School as scheduled is commendable.
Since this is part of the greening plan from the time of the school's establishment, I would like to pay attention to it.

Policy Name: Consideration of the Expansion of District Plan Areas and Green Coverage Rate Ordinance

Business Report

A District Plan that includes regulations regarding the greening rate has been established for the planned District Plan area (1.3ha) associated with the Oshitate First Land Readjustment Project.

External Evaluation

The District Plan incorporating the greening rate has been decided for the Odaryo Land Readjustment Project and the Oshitate No. 1 Land Readjustment Project.
The Oshitate No. 1 Land Readjustment Project is currently being implemented.
Although the District Plan has been decided, it is difficult to evaluate as the content is not well understood.
I request that the greening rate be maintained (for two land readjustment projects).
The greening rate has been incorporated as planned.
Participation is deemed appropriate based on the project achievements against the project goals.
It seems that there are many subjective expressions.
The regulations for the greening rate have been incorporated and decided from the beginning in the District Plan area.

4. Station Front Greening Project

Policy Name: Greening of Stations and Station Square

Business Report

Completion of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Consultation

External Evaluation

It is progressing, although slightly behind schedule.
Maintenance is currently underway.
Maintenance work did not take place (this term is in front of Minami-Tama Station).
Although discussions took longer than expected, it has been completed, and I hope for a good outcome.
It is unclear what has been done in relation to the goals.
Construction has not yet commenced.

5. Support and Development Project for Citizen Activities

Policy Name: Development, Organization, and Activity Support for Citizen Volunteers

Business Report

Consideration of Human Resource Acquisition

External Evaluation

Although it is still in the consideration stage, efforts are being made to secure human resources.
Implementing volunteer activities is very challenging.
I think it would be good to see if we can secure similar human resources as in the Nanzan East area, or to collaborate with local university clubs, etc.
Volunteer activities require significant human resource development.
It seems that it took time for consideration, but I hope for concrete actions in the next fiscal year (FY 2015).
It would be good to have information on the location of forest management and the number of people involved in human resource development.
I remember that over 30 years ago, there was a large participation in training activities at the Third Cultural Center in the Hirao area. I hope that a flow will be created that supports activities that can actively encourage citizens to engage in volunteer work.

Policy Name: Human Resource Development, Organization, and Activity Support for Citizen Volunteers 2

Business Report

Human Resource Development and Forest Management Practices

External Evaluation

An area management organization has been established in some parks in the Minamiyama eastern district, working on the maintenance and management of the parks.
I hope for continued activities.
I want it to function well from now on (Minamiyama eastern district).
In this new town, the establishment and organization of businesses and the development of human resources have been significant achievements.
I hope to utilize the know-how for the establishment in other regions.
It is wonderful that we were able to implement human resource development for forest management.

Policy Name: Implementation of Various Awareness-Raising Activities (Installation of Tree Name Plates in Parks)

Business Report

30 Tokino Plaza, 20 Inagi Central Park, 10 Ushisan Park, 10 Toho Park, 10 Yamazaki Park, 10 Kamaike Park, 1 Keigi Park

External Evaluation

The installation of tree nameplates is in progress.
I think it would be good if we could continue the installation. If more substantial content is included, it could become even more enjoyable.
I ask for your continued support.
The progress made beyond the target number of installations is commendable.
It is stated that more installations than planned have been completed, but I would like to know what the planned number was and what the actual number of installations is.
More tree nameplates have been installed than planned.

Policy Name: Implementation of Various Awareness-Raising Activities (Installation of Tree Name Plates on Roadside Trees)

Business Report

Consideration of Tree Name Plate Design

External Evaluation

Evaluation is under consideration.
The design could not be decided. I do not know the content, but I wonder how many proposals have been made. If there are any, it might be good to adopt all of them.
Please install it quickly.
I think the design cannot be decided until the installation stage.
If the design of the tree nameplate could not be decided, the reasons for not being able to decide should be written.

Policy Name: Implementation of Various Awareness-Raising Activities (Installation of Tree Name Plates in Schools)

Business Report

Installed in 2 schools

External Evaluation

Two schools have been implemented.
It is being implemented.
Two schools have been established, but since the content has not been introduced, it is difficult to evaluate as the specifics are unknown.
It was good to be able to establish even two schools.
It is unclear which schools have how many installed, but the goal of two schools has been achieved.
It is installed in the target of two schools.

Policy Name: Collection and Provision of Information on Water and Greenery

Business Report

Enhancement of the City Website (Ongoing)
[Event Information, Cherry Blossom Information, etc. Updated as needed]

External Evaluation

Information is provided on the website, but it needs to be made more accessible to everyone.
The provision of cherry blossom information is appreciated.
Event information has been actively communicated.
I occasionally check the website, but it is unfortunate that there are still things the mayor is not aware of.
The website is becoming easier to use. The information related to greenery and nature is also well thought out.
I get the impression that it is difficult to grasp a concrete feeling.