The "Kamo 6 Children's Playground" (加茂６児童遊園地) in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture has been renovated and reopened, becoming the city's very first park where skateboarding is permitted. An opening ceremony took place on April 4, drawing approximately 120 visitors to mark the occasion.
1. The Skate Area Name Was Decided by Public Vote
An online public vote held from February 14 to March 8 received 633 votes in total.
From among six candidates, "Kamoroku Skate Park" (カモロク スケートパーク) earned the most votes with 453 votes, and was officially announced to attendees during the ceremony.
2. The Opening Ceremony
The ceremony brought together Kawanishi City Mayor Kenjiro Koshida, the City Council Speaker, members of the Kawanishi City Skateboard Association who had been involved since the planning phase, donor Yukari Shuno (Du Moana LLC), neighborhood community representatives, and representatives from supporting private companies — all celebrating the opening alongside skaters who had been eagerly awaiting the day.
Student council members from the local Kawanishi Minami Junior High School served as emcees for the ceremony. Two professional skateboarders — Rei Takasawa and Jinnosuke Okada — performed demonstrations that captivated the young skaters in attendance.
Following the ceremony, the park was opened to the general public, and the Kawanishi City Skateboard Association held a free introductory session.
For event highlights, visit: https://www.instagram.com/city_kawanishi/
3. Voices from Ceremony Attendees
Kawanishi City Mayor Kenjiro Koshida
"This initiative started from the voices of children and young people. Until now, we had no choice but to tell young people not to skate, as it led to complaints from nearby residents. I wanted to create a new place where they could skate. There were many challenges — location, funding, maintenance — but thanks to the cooperation of NEXCO West Japan, the Takarazuka Civil Engineering Office, Ms. Yukari Shuno, everyone who participated in the crowdfunding campaign, the Kawanishi City Skateboard Association, local companies Hanshin Kankyo and Miyamoto Construction, and the local community, we were able to make it happen. I am truly grateful.
Going forward, I hope the young skaters will work together to create rules for this space and continue to uphold them, so that it can grow into something wonderful as a hub for new sports. I sincerely look forward to seeing this new style of park in Kawanishi City flourish."
Yukari Shuno (Du Moana LLC), Donor for the Project
"I donated to the city for the development of new sports, and I am truly delighted to see it realized in this form. People who enjoy new sports — like skateboarding — sometimes face prejudice; just walking around with a skateboard can get you reported. That feeling of helplessness was real.
Visiting this place for the first time today, I'm so happy to see what a wonderful facility has been created. I hope it becomes a place full of smiles and positivity."
Professional Skateboarder Jinnosuke Okada, Who Performed a Demonstration
"The size feels just right — I think everyone will enjoy just riding here. The dimensions and the size of the ramp are perfect, and it's easy for users to get around. It has a feel closer to skating in the suburbs than at a large-scale skate park, and I really love that atmosphere."
4. Park Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 6-chome, Kamo, Kawanishi City (under the Chugoku Expressway overpass) |
| Facilities | Skateboard area approx. 890 m² / 3-on-3 basketball court × 1 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Train: 25-minute walk from Hankyu Takarazuka Line "Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station" or JR Takarazuka Line "Kawanishi-Ikeda Station"; 15-minute walk from JR Takarazuka Line "Kita-Itami Station" / Bus: From the south bus stop at "Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station," alight at "Kushiroguchi" bus stop, then a 4-minute walk / Bicycle/Motorbike: Use the in-park bicycle parking / Car: Use the south parking lot (13 spaces) |
| Notes | Non-users should not use the parking lot / The facility is locked outside operating hours (9:00 AM to 9:00 PM) / The management assumes no responsibility for accidents or theft on the premises / Access may be restricted without notice for maintenance / No restrooms or hand-washing facilities available |
Please follow the usage rules and enjoy the facilities responsibly.
