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 Square
   Last January, we opened the soccer field and futsal court ahead of schedule, and now, with the completion of the second phase of construction, all facilities are available for use.
   With the completion of the management building, changing rooms and showers are now accessible, and with the completion of the electrical facilities, nighttime lighting is available, allowing use until 9 PM.
   The eastern half of the management building serves as a disaster prevention warehouse and a fire brigade warehouse. In addition to being a storage facility for the enhanced stockpiles due to the review of damage estimates in the regional disaster prevention plan, it will also serve as a distribution center for stockpiled materials and relief supplies during disasters.
   Furthermore, with the completion of the grassy area, it can now be used for ground golf and as a resting place during walks.
   This facility is managed and operated by the Tokyo Verdy Group under the designated manager system, and we expect it to be properly managed for effective use by citizens, as well as utilized for soccer classes by Tokyo Verdy and Nippon TV Beleza, and for player training.
2. Second Division Fire Brigade Station
   The 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 securing land was uncertain, a wooden temporary station was built on rented land and operated.
   Later, as land was secured at the current location, it was decided to construct a permanent facility, and during the reconstruction work, we requested a temporary relocation to a prefab station in the City Hall's fifth parking lot. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to the Second Division and the residents of the Higashi-Naganuma area during this time, and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
   In the construction process, we exchanged opinions with the Second Division and the local Neighborhood Association over ample time. Although there were budget and site constraints, we believe we were able to meet requests as much as possible.
   This facility features various characteristics and innovations. In the division station area, 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 facilities of their kind in the city, and we believe this will help promote the recruitment of female members in the future.
   Additionally, a storage warehouse and training room operated by a self-defense organization are located in a separate area from the station, allowing the entire facility 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 safety assurance but also to the recruitment and retention of members.
   By the way, during the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred on the 14th of last month, we once again felt the suddenness and threat of natural disasters, reaffirming the importance of preparedness. Currently, Inagi City is working on the development and renovation of facilities in line with the Fourth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan, and we will continue to incorporate improvements in disaster prevention functions according to the original functions of each facility as we move forward.