Kawasaki checks 4,638 items in parks not installed by the city: none needed immediate removal, 241 had rust or other damage

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Kawasaki City checked storage sheds, posts, benches, play equipment and other items placed by parties other than the city in about 1,300 parks it manages. Of the 4,638 items checked, none was dangerous enough to need immediate removal.

Rust or other damage was found on 241 items. Where action was needed, the city has put out traffic cones and taken other safety measures, and it is giving guidance to owners in order as they are identified.

The check followed an accident on Apr 19, 2026 at Shimofuda Park in Tama Ward, where a metal pole of unknown owner and purpose snapped and fell, breaking an elementary school child's right leg.

Items not installed by the city checked in about 1,300 parks

Besides the play equipment and benches the city installs, parks also contain items placed by other people or groups. Kawasaki City checked these items, which it calls "items other than park facilities installed by the city," in about 1,300 parks it manages. It announced the results on Oct 20, 2026.

The check covered storage sheds, posts, benches, play equipment and similar items. It ran from Wednesday, May 13 to Friday, Jul 31, 2026, with city staff inspecting each item by looking at it and touching it.

241 of 4,638 damaged; none dangerous

None of the 4,638 items checked was dangerous enough to need immediate removal.

However, 241 items had rust or other damage. For those that needed at least some action, the city has put out traffic cones as a warning or covered the items. It is giving guidance to owners in order as they are identified.

The announcement does not give numbers or locations by ward or by park, so it does not show how many of these items are in Saiwai Ward parks.

Prompted by an accident at Shimofuda Park

On Sunday, Apr 19, 2026, at Shimofuda Park in Fuda, Tama Ward, a metal pole whose owner and purpose were unknown snapped at the base and fell. An elementary school child playing there broke their right leg. The city checked its parks in response to this accident.

Ownerless items to be removed by the city

The check also found items placed without the city's permission, like the metal post that caused the accident. The city is now looking for their owners.

Owners who are identified will be given guidance to deal with their items properly. Items whose owners cannot be found will be removed or otherwise dealt with by the city. The announcement does not say when.

If you see an item in a park marked with traffic cones or covered up, it is a good idea to remind children not to touch or climb on it.

Contacts

Contact the Parks and Green Space Management Division, Construction and Green Bureau, Kawasaki City (phone 044-200-2394).