MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The cracks in the skate park’s surface are gone and the ramps have been returned to their original location as of Aug. 25.
The skate park will resume operation after it has been inspected by Station Safety, but there is no official date when the park will be open again to the public. Recently the skate park near the station chapel was shut down due to a large crack in the park’s surface.
During the resurfacing of the skate park, the ramps were temporarily moved to IronWorks Gym in order to satisfy the need for a safe location to skate.
Curtis Brown, athletic director for Marine Corps Community Services, said he thinks it should be within the next couple of weeks.
“We are very happy with the results of the surface repair,” said Brown. “We are very happy with the skate park in general and hope to upgrade it in the future.”
Brown said one upgrade people can expect soon is new fencing around the skate park.
The resurfacing and future fence is all a part of keeping the skate park as safe as possible. In order to stay safe, users are required to follow the skate park’s guidelines.
The skate park rules are as follows:
1. Skaters must be at least 10 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to use the skate park.
2. Only skateboards and in-line skates are allowed.
3. Protective safety equipment is required to be worn at all times.
4. Appropriate attire and footwear tennis shoes) must be worn.
5. Bikes and scooters are not allowed.
6. Additional ramps, grind rails, and skating accessories are not allowed.
7. Food, beverages of any kind and glass containers are not allowed.
8. Anyone under the influence of alcohol is not allowed in the skate park.
9. Smoking and the use of tobacco of any kind is prohibited in and near the skate park.
10. The skate park will be closed during inclement weather.
11. In case of emergency, call 911 by accessing the telephone located between the outdoor basketball court and the skate park.
Those who have questions or comments, may contact the IronWorks Gym at 253-6578 or 253-5460.