■Facility Improvement: “Playground Project” at Kodomo no Sono Enters Its Third Phase

Habitat Japan is working to improve living environments through its “Facility Improvement Program” in order to address the housing challenges faced by children’s homes and single mother support facilities. One such initiative is the “Playground Project” currently underway at “Kodomo no Sono,” a children’s home located in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

 

The “Playground Project” aims to transform the hill behind “Kodomo no Sono” - commonly known as “Forest Terrace” - which had been left untouched for many years, into a safe playground for the children. Following the first phase of construction in the winter of 2024, which involved developing a campsite, and the second phase in the fall of 2025, which focused on installing a stage and landscaping, we have now entered the final phase of construction. In Phase 3, we plan to install two new pieces of playground equipment: the “Doki Doki Bridge” and the “Log Steps.” Once again, we are grateful for many corporate volunteers who will help create a safe environment for children to play by laying wood chips around the equipment, painting the structures, and planting trees.

“Until now, the children had to walk about 30 minutes to a nearby park to play on the playground equipment. Once the new playground is completed, they will be able to play with their friends, surrounded by nature right near the facility, so we are very much looking forward to it”, shared Mr. Wada, the administrative director of “Kodomo no Sono”.

The “Playground Project” is scheduled to wrap up all work on May 16 and a completion ceremony for the finished “Forest Terrace” is planned for June 27. While the primary beneficiaries of this project are the approximately 40 children living at the facility, we are working to create an environment that supports the children’s smiles and growth by involving facility staff and the local community. By collaborating with the community, we aim to deliver sustainable value for the children’s future.