Awesome Okinawa Playgrounds!

We just had the most amazing playground experience today. There are many things that other countries do well, Okinawa has definitely mastered playgrounds. 

Tobaru Koen Park, Okinawa City

These are what we call roller slides and they are like human powered roller coasters that are enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It can go as slow or as fast as your heart desires.

We went so fast the first time, even catching some air, that Gio was hesitant to ride again. 

The slide can be ridden a few ways: Some people like to just sit on the slide and ride on their butts, squat and ride on your feet, buy a little plastic sled to sit on, or even bring a piece of cardboard which is what we did. Cardboard definitely is the way to go, sitting on your feet, goes super fast! You better hold on!

The first park experience that I loved more than he did. After a few tries, he was done and I was the one asking, "can we stay longer? I want to go down one more time." Haha!

Checkout the video of my ride here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWDieYZTTFY

Not to mention the killer leg workout I got climbing the 50 or so steps each time. I can't think of a more worthwhile, or fun way to get some exercise though. 

360° View of Okinawa from the tall white lookout tower. Breathtaking! The Pacific Ocean in the background.  

And you know what I admire most about these public playgrounds? The fact that they have little or no rules for riding, anyone, even a toddler can ride, and no one gets hurt (except for clumsy people like me who trip on their own feet). 

Not to mention the playgrounds are FREE and kept in immaculate shape. 

There is no one patrolling safety or limiting the amount of fun that can be had. 

I laugh at thought of this level of freedom and fun ever being seen at a playground in the states (and did I mention for free?!). Safety is so overbearing that even the smallest park is barely playful....But enough about my playground comparisons...

The other side of the park, walking to the slide area. 

Even the water fountains are adorable! Check out this frog water fountain.

For anyone visiting Okinawa and looking for more information on this playground, I found the original post on Okinawa Hai's blog website

http://okinawahai.com/2013/10/roller-slide-park.html

Park in Tomigusuku

We had just finished touring the Japanese naval underground headquarters near Naha when we stumbled upon this treasure. Another beautiful playground with long, roller slides to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. 

BABA PARK, Sunabe 

(next to our house). 

Even the park next to our house is fun. I love their design of swings here. As you can see below, it is more like a small hammock. Even little infants can just lay on it. Fun and comfortable. I want an adult version, please!

Do you see the dolphin design? 

Genius! The "tail" is another roller slide.