CAMP ZAMA, Japan – As springtime nears, community members can now reserve a spot in the barbeque area of Dewey Park after new flooring was recently installed in the communal gathering space.
The project, which took almost six months to complete, replaced an aging floor with interlocking blocks that had previously been deteriorating and causing rainwater to collect.
“The existing floor was old,” said Shinji Ohta, a civil engineer with the Directorate of Public Works. “It was constructed in 2001 and some portions of it were broken and dirty.”
After surveying the site, Ohta, who served as the project’s lead designer, said he decided to have contractors flatten the floor area and incorporate a new type of flooring material to prevent future damage.
“The new floor is more permeable than the existing one,” he said. “It means water puddles will no longer remain [after a rainstorm].”
Kar Lee, chief of the engineering division at DPW, said the previous floor also presented a tripping hazard that needed to be remedied.
“We did our best in providing new flooring so the community can enjoy the barbeque pit,” he said.
While a smaller project compared to others that DPW handles, Lee said the renovation can still help improve the quality of life of community members.
Lee, who has personally used the area twice, said many organizations hold functions there to bring teammates together.
The area also has playground equipment for children and several cherry blossom trees that will start blooming next month.
“It's a popular area,” he said. “We're glad that the schedule was on time and we could finish it before the cherry blossom season.”
The barbeque area has three pavilions that are available to reserve for free with a $50 deposit. Reservations can be made by contacting Camp Zama Outdoor Recreation at DSN: 263‐4671 or 046-407-4671, or by email at zamaodr@gmail.com.
Related links:
Social Sharing