Announcement of the 2013 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 2013 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

• New Designation of Green Space on the South Side of Benten Cave
• Donation of part of the green space on the west side of the Health Center to the city

External Evaluation

• The negotiations with the landowners are commendable.
• It is unavoidable that the candidate site was not 100% approved, as it would limit the freedom of the landowners.
• On-site confirmations are being conducted, and although it is limited, new designations are progressing.
• Although a new designation was made, the area of the Health Center's western green space did not increase due to the removal of the designation, even though it was a donation, so it can be considered "somewhat favorable."
• The donation of a part of the already designated green space to the city is appreciated.
• I had been paying attention to the management condition of the green space on the north side of Hiraoen after its designation, but it seems that it is not in a completely unmaintained state recently.
• Places with a lot of greenery may have issues related to land ownership inheritance. I think it was good that there was a donation.
• I think it is quite difficult to obtain the approval of all landowners.
• It is unfortunate that another large-scale sloped green space forming a "green ring" from the existing urban area has been acquired. It may be worth considering a review of the designated order.
• Since it is a "work involving others" that requires outreach to landowners, there are unavoidable aspects to the reduction in the process from candidates to implementation.
• Donations of green spaces can be considered a step forward in terms of the purpose of the system, but the fact that the actual quantity is offset and recorded as zero may lead to a misinterpretation of the evaluation. For newly designated areas, even though the planned area is reduced, it should be noted as a positive achievement. This may be due to the fact that the setting of goals and evaluations was not necessarily appropriate. A goal of maintaining the designated status could be established, and if the land use changes, it would be considered negative, while a change that maintains the purpose, such as donations, could be evaluated as zero or positive.

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

Business Report

Research and Planning of Activity Groups in Other Cities

External Evaluation

• It is necessary to carefully consider this going forward.
• I think it is very difficult. Even if you can do it, you must continue.
• The process of activities and collaboration with volunteer organizations are not visible.
• The goal is to call for participation from activity participants, but there is no mention of that matter, making it unworthy of evaluation.
• How about reaching out to the Neighborhood Associations that have a sense of attachment to the proposed implementation sites?
• Given the location of the candidate site, it seems difficult for volunteer organizations to establish their activities.
• I believe that managing forest areas requires specialized knowledge, so it is important to take the time to cultivate them.
• First of all, I would like the city to take the lead in this.
• Such projects cannot be prepared solely by the city. Even before the systems and frameworks are in place, it is necessary to communicate the city's awareness of issues and explore the nature of the systems and potential obstacles through contact with individuals who may become volunteers at a flexible stage. In other words, it seems necessary to consider a way of soliciting interest such as, "Is there anyone interested even though nothing has been decided yet?"

2 Nearby Green Base Project

Policy Name: Consideration of the Leasehold Park System

Business Report

Partial renovation of the Shimotsukato Children's Park facilities

External Evaluation

• Efforts are commendable.
• I would like to evaluate the progress that has been made.
• The goal is to consider the opening of four squares equally. Partial development of only Shimosukato can only be evaluated to a limited extent. I think either the goal setting was poor, or the evaluation is too lenient.
• The Nakayoshi Chibikko Square is managed to be suitable for use, and I believe it is appropriate as a leased park.
• It would be nice if we could gradually improve and create a plaza.
• The ability to prepare ahead of next year's schedule is commendable, and we hope it will encourage the development of other parks.
• The land use situation seems to be dynamic, so based on the system of leased parks, it may be necessary to create plans for uncovering suitable locations and candidates that utilize this method, as well as for their development. Otherwise, the amount of work will decrease after the second phase.
• It is certain that there are not enough parks in the existing urban area, so I hope that efforts will continue to understand the circumstances of landowners and explore the possibilities of fluidity, with the aim of maximizing the potential of this system.

Policy Name: Renovation of Nearby Parks

Business Report

Fureai Chibikko Square (Fence Renovation), Inagi Central Park Baseball Field (Restroom Renovation), Shiraito Chibikko Square (Water Supply Installation), etc.

External Evaluation

• The maintenance work is commendable.
• The squares and parks with updated playground equipment are noticeable and commendable.
• While maintenance is important, we hope that users will take good care of the facilities.
• The goal is "as needed," and reporting "executed within the budget" is not evaluable. While there are tasks in municipal administration that need to be carried out calmly, at the very least, I would like the reports to include the status of the "inspection surveys" mentioned in the deployment methods and goals, as well as the achievements in understanding the "voices of citizens." I believe it is important to report on whether study meetings were held, how the current facilities were evaluated, and other aspects as part of the goals and evaluation report.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Lawn Installation in Schoolyards)

Business Report

Koyodai Elementary School (255.8 square meters) and Inagi Dai 4 Junior High School (394.5 square meters) have implemented lawn greening (both improved turf)
Construction has commenced for the rebuilding of the old building of Inagi Dai 1 Elementary School, which includes rooftop greening in the design, and the new construction of (tentative name) Minamiyama Elementary School.

External Evaluation

• Progress is being made as planned and is commendable. We hope to collaborate with the school for future maintenance and management.
• It is commendable that it was implemented as planned.
• The current status of the greening of Hirao Elementary School and 2nd Junior High School from last year is better than last year, and visually it is also good compared to the ground.
• I think it would be good to have some grass in the schoolyard.
• I visited the playground of Koyodai Elementary School, but it was quite different from what I had imagined, with only a patch in one corner of the playground. The area is indicated in the report above, but it is hard to say that it is "greening the playground."
  I would have liked a more specific explanation of "what the original plan was" and "which parts were realized and which were not."
• I believe that the opinions of the educational field (schools and Parent or Guardian) should be respected above all, so I think it will be difficult to achieve this all at once.
• It is pleasing to see that there is definite progress. As development continues, ongoing maintenance will be necessary, but it is unfortunate that the specific plans are not visible. If there are considerations regarding potential issues and countermeasures, I would like to receive a report on that as well.
• The goal is to include all Elementary and Junior High Schools in the city, and the measures are diverse, such as schoolyards, rooftops, walls, and curtains, so a master plan is necessary to achieve this. I believe there are environments where greening is not suitable, but I hope that these will be evaluated and reflected in specific annual targets.

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

Business Report

Implemented green curtains at 16 Elementary and Junior High Schools

External Evaluation

• It is being carried out almost as scheduled.
• Green curtains are being actively implemented at each facility.
• I want to evaluate what has been implemented. I would like to promote implementation in schools that have not yet started. Additionally, I want to improve the quality further, not just by continuing the goals, but also by focusing on more effective types of research.
• I think it is good to show children concrete examples of active green creation. The realistic effects also have meaning.
• It is desirable to create green curtains at home as well.
• I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation on site.
• Considering the scale of the school building area, the implementation area (not the curtain area, but the flat area of the planting range) does not seem to be very large. In the future, I hope to expand activities regarding the expansion of the implementation area and the utilization of land within the school grounds as we continue.

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

Business Report

• No. 2 Nursery School: By nurturing flowers, children's hearts become enriched. The green curtain helps with summer sunlight measures and allows children to feel close to plants and flowers. By growing vegetables within the nursery school, children can experience the affection, importance, and challenges of food, leading to food education.
• No. 3 Nursery School: Measures against sunlight have been implemented with green curtains. Furthermore, the landscape has improved, and we are steadily progressing towards our goals.
• Nursery School No. 4: By ensuring that the flowers in the planters are always in bloom and by cultivating and harvesting vegetables to cook and eat ourselves, we were able to enhance not only the growth of plants but also our interest in food.
• Nursery School No. 5: The children are taking the initiative to collect seeds.

External Evaluation

• It is being carried out as scheduled.
• The attitude towards initiatives, such as verifying their effectiveness, is remarkable. Furthermore, I hope for an improvement in quality.
• The area has decreased compared to last year, but curtains are installed in appropriate places.
• I think it is good for children to see the flowers bloom and the fruits grow. I want them to become familiar with greening from a young age.
• Thank you for your cooperation on site. It brings a sense of calm when imagined.
• Only the municipal nursery schools directly involved are reported here, but this is just a small part of all the kindergartens and childcare centers in the city. Even though we cannot ask for implementation in line with private facilities, is there no outreach or results? If obtaining private cooperation in early childhood care and education is essential, it would be appreciated if the objectives and benefits written here are expected to extend to private facilities, and that there are reports of such outreach in this kind of setting.

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

Business Report

Implementation of green curtains at the three Cultural Centers and rooftop greening at i Plaza

External Evaluation

• It is being carried out as scheduled.
• I would like to see further improvements in quality. (The correlation between the implementation period of green curtains and the growth condition of the plants, and whether those plants are effective during the period when shade is needed, etc.)
• Although it is less than last year, the curtains are being made smoothly.
• I think that the fact that a lot of bitter melons are planted means they are easy to grow, so I hope they are utilized to the fullest.
• How about preparing a budget as needed and executing it properly? I think it's only natural that quality cannot be ensured if we just rely on the goodwill of the facilities and ask for help.
• Although it can be said that it is being implemented in terms of wording, the installation area relative to the facility size does not seem to be very large. In order for green curtains and rooftop greening to have environmental significance, and since we are talking about a green and lush Community Development, I hope that not only the number of installed facilities but also the area is considered as a numerical target, and that efforts will be made to expand this in future activities.
• I think it's good that it requires little effort and becomes cooler.

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

Business Report

Continuation of Rooftop Greening at the Community Promotion Plaza

External Evaluation

• Maintenance has been completed.
• I would like to see improvements in the quality of measures to further enhance effectiveness.
• If the greening of the rooftop can be visualized, it may further enhance the motivation for management.
• The growth situation is not very good. I feel the need to make some adjustments.
• I think it will be difficult to manage due to this year's heat, but I hope you can cultivate it well.
• How about considering budgeting as necessary and ensuring proper implementation? I think it is only natural that relying solely on the goodwill of facility managers may not guarantee quality.
• Considering the target facilities, it will require steady efforts, but I hope it will continue.

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

Business Report

Maintenance Management of Rooftop Greening at SHIROYAMA EXPERIENCE STUDY INSTITUE

• Tree species: Sedum, White Clover, Twisted Flower, etc.
• Area: Approximately 950 square meters
• Development Status: Normal

External Evaluation

• Maintenance is being conducted.
• Be careful about waterproofing.
• I would like to see improvements in the quality of measures to further enhance effectiveness.
• Since there are few opportunities for people to see it, the motivation of the managing company seems to be lacking.
• Perhaps due to the heat, the growth condition does not seem very good, and some appear to be withering.
• I think it will grow well because it is a strong plant.
• How about considering budgeting as necessary and ensuring proper implementation? I think it is only natural that relying solely on the goodwill of facility managers may not guarantee quality.
• This place is large in scale and can be overlooked from the neighboring park, so I hope for its continuous maintenance. Since it is of a scale that can also be expected to have energy-saving effects, it would be even better if those effects could be widely communicated.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (City Hospital)

Business Report

Implementation of Green Roof on the Rooftop of the Inagi City Hospital Health Checkup Outpatient Building and Multi-Story Parking Lot

• Tree species: Ryu-no-hige, Abelia, Azalea, Hagi, Yamabuki, etc.
• Area: Approximately 540 square meters
• Development Status: Good

External Evaluation

• Maintenance is being carried out as scheduled.
• I would like to see improvements in the quality of measures to further enhance effectiveness.
• The planting that utilizes the characteristics of the tree species is well managed and provides a sense of tranquility when viewed from the hospital.
• It is very well maintained, but it is unfortunate that many people do not go all the way up.
• I think the quality is high.

Policy Name: Greening of Public Facilities (Health Plaza)

Business Report

Maintenance Management of Rooftop Greening at Inagi City Health Plaza

• Tree species: Ryu no Hige
• Area: Approximately 400 square meters
• Development Status: Normal

External Evaluation

• Maintenance is being conducted.
• I would like to see improvements in the quality of measures to further enhance effectiveness.
• I feel that having visualization techniques increases motivation even more.
• It appeared that they were growing smoothly.
• I think that Ryuno-hige, which does not succumb to the heat, has strong roots and is easy to cultivate.
• It may be worth considering to allocate a budget as needed and ensure proper implementation. Relying solely on the goodwill of facility managers to make requests will naturally lead to a lack of quality assurance.

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

Business Report

Consideration of Cultivation Management Methods

External Evaluation

• Shiroyama Park needs to consider management methods in the future.
• It is difficult to maintain.
• It is necessary to clarify the definition of 'natural tree shape' and quickly identify the methods for that.
• I would like a specific description of what kind of育成 management methods were considered.
• I hope for a management method that evokes the natural form of trees, as a place that symbolizes the richness of greenery in Inagi.
• I am looking forward to seeing how it will turn out.
• How about publicly sharing which areas or which trees are under natural tree shape management and conducting experimental management?
• It is difficult to evaluate a report that states the goal is under consideration and is still being explored.

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

Business Report

－(Review of Implementation Period)

External Evaluation

• We will implement it while monitoring the situation going forward.
• Quite difficult. Requires maintenance.
• It is necessary to clarify the definition of 'natural tree shape' and quickly identify the methods for that.
• If a management method cannot be found, the current situation should be evaluated.
• Cannot be evaluated if not implemented.
• I am looking forward to it.
• It seems that there are no plans to incorporate large-scale developments such as the Land Readjustment Project in the southeastern area of Nanzan. In the category of "roads," if managing to evoke a natural tree shape seems difficult, I think it would be acceptable to establish a study group and conclude that "street trees are unsuitable." Instead of planting street trees at equal intervals along the road, how about shifting to explore other possibilities? For example, incorporating them into large-scale developments in the future would add elegance, such as in a corner of a central median, the center of a recently noted "roundabout," or the center of a cul-de-sac.
• I would like you to consider the pruning timing for flowering trees and shrubs as soon as possible.
• I think that managing street trees with various constraints to evoke a natural shape is quite a high hurdle. It would be appreciated if you could report any plans or ideas for future developments.
• How about establishing pruning standard trees as a single criterion?

3 Green Creation Project for the New Urban Area

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

Business Report

(Tentative) Start of Construction for Minamiyama Elementary School

External Evaluation

• Implemented as scheduled.
• I would like you to proceed as planned, including the green design.
• I hope that green initiatives such as rooftop greening will be implemented in elementary schools.
• Since it is a new school, could we do things differently from others?
• I don't know the details, but I am looking forward to it.
• At this point, it is difficult to evaluate from the outside, but we hope that the new elementary school's environment will serve as a model for existing schools in the city.

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

Business Report

- (Completed last year)

External Evaluation

• Progress has been made smoothly.
• I want to proceed according to the plan, including the green landscaping.
• The greenery rate is high, and I look forward to the completion of the streetscape.
• I am looking forward to becoming a beautiful district.
• It is encouraging that the decision on the District Plan in the project area is progressing smoothly. There is also hope for realization in the existing urban area through initiatives from residents, so I am looking forward to efforts such as public relations activities aimed at areas outside the target area.

5 Support and Development Projects for Citizen Activities

Policy Name: Human Resource Development, Organization, and Activity Support for Citizen Volunteers (within the Land Readjustment Project area)

Business Report

In the areas where park development was carried out in fiscal year 2012 (part of the park in the Minamiyama eastern area), management of wooded areas (such as underbrush cutting and wooden deck repairs) was conducted.

External Evaluation

• Implemented as scheduled.
• I would like you to clarify the human resource development plan in order to further improve quality, without thinking of "implementation of work = human resource development."
• I hope to evaluate the differences in technical aspects such as underbrush cutting and wood deck repairs, and secure the desired personnel.
• It seems to be lagging in terms of human resource development and organization.
• I think a good organization will be established because it is a new area.
• I hope for continuity.
• I believe that the establishment of the area management organization in the fiscal year 2012, which was aimed at consideration, was a significant achievement. In the fiscal year 2013, it was understood that activities could be conducted together with that organization, and I understood that things are progressing smoothly.

Policy Name: Human Resource Development, Organization, and Activity Support for Citizen Volunteers (Parks)

Business Report

Consideration of Human Resource Acquisition

External Evaluation

• We will continue to consider this carefully.
• It will be a challenging effort.
• If the method cannot be determined, securing personnel will not be possible. Therefore, the method should be prioritized for confirmation. Based on that, I would like you to consider measures to secure personnel.
• Regarding securing human resources, how about reaching out to the Neighborhood Associations near the planned development site through the Neighborhood Association Federation?
• With the increase in Older Adults, I think it would be good to inform them about systems like the adoption system to make them more accessible, and to create volunteer opportunities in the local community. From this, I believe the seeds of volunteer activities will sprout.
• It is unfortunate that the report is not specific. Without information on what aspects were considered and the results, it is not possible to make an accurate evaluation.

Policy Name: Implementation of Various Awareness-Raising Activities (Installation of Nameplates on Trees in Parks)

Business Report

Not implemented

External Evaluation

• In the future, it will be necessary to consider the installation of signboards to protect valuable plants from poaching at Shiroyama Park.
• It seems to be lagging in terms of human resource development and organization.
• Desire for plan revision.
• I hope that the implementation will proceed without delay until the final goal is reached.
• Nothing is being done.
• I look forward to next year.
• The installation of tree nameplates can be evaluated as an activity that is expected to enhance citizens' awareness of their potential interest in greenery. Although it is said that this year's activities are not yet complete, if there are clear hindering factors such as being overwhelmed by events, it cannot be helped. We look forward to future activities.

Implementation of various awareness-raising activities (Installation of nameplates on street trees)

Business Report

－(Review of Implementation Period)

External Evaluation

• Why is the implementation period being reviewed? It seems that the design of the tree nameplate could be considered on paper as well.
• I think it is fun to know the names of grasses and trees.
• The installation of tree nameplates can be evaluated as an activity that is expected to enhance citizens' awareness of their potential interest in greenery.
• It is possible to reconsider the implementation period, and that in itself is not a problem. However, if the implementation of what has been set as a goal has been postponed, even at the level of consideration, it is necessary to evaluate it correctly.

Implementation of various awareness-raising activities (Installation of nameplates on trees within the school)

Business Report

Some of them have nameplates installed.

External Evaluation

• The goal of installing tree nameplates is set for parks, roadside plantings, and schools, so can we implement it starting from places where it is possible?
• Is it necessary to review the plan after clearly stating the schools to be implemented by year?
• The goal setting is poor. If it is not clearly stated which school it will be implemented at, it cannot be evaluated.
• I think the tree name plates in the park road school are effective in raising citizens' interest in greenery.
• I think it would be good to have nameplates for trees in various places.
• The installation of tree nameplates can be evaluated as an activity that is expected to enhance citizens' awareness of their potential interest in greenery.

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

Business Report

New information is continuously updated on the Inagi City Website, with efforts to provide easy-to-understand information
(Cherry blossom information, Shibazakura information, parking fee implementation, park usage methods, etc.)

External Evaluation

• The necessary information is provided.
• I would like to see improvements in the system (quality) that can provide information to Older Adults who do not use computers much.
• How about considering collaboration with the Tourism Division?
• Will this be the performance report every year? If we report specifically what was done and when, it can be evaluated, but the same report every year cannot be evaluated.
• The website has various information and allows you to feel the water and greenery.
• As for the description of achievements, we hope for specific reports. While updating regularly is the goal, it is difficult to evaluate without descriptions such as how many times updates were made or that this matter and that matter were addressed.
• Notices about the parking fee and how to use the park are necessary actions as an administrator, and I don't think they fall under the project policy of "collecting and providing information about water and greenery." I look forward to future activities.
• It may be necessary to devise ways to make access to the website easier.

Note: There is no business report for the fiscal year 2013 regarding the "Station Front Greening Project" as the station square will be developed in conjunction with the completion of the elevated project of the JR Nambu Line.