Revitalizing Ikego for Future Generations

Photo By Garrett Cole | YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 3, 2023) — CDR Tyler Scharar, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka public works officer, (right) and LCDR Matthew Ward, NAVFAC FEAD officer, take part in at the ground breaking ceremony for the new Bubble Gym at the Ikego Housing Area. This project is one of many set to improve the quality of life at CFAY. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy Photo by Garrett Cole)  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

08.17.2023

Story by Tech. Sgt. Garrett Cole 

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

ZUSHI, Japan — Residents at Ikego Family Housing Area will receive a new multi-purpose facility in 2026 as part of a significant reinvestment in Navy families’ quality of life.

The project site sits where a popular gym once stood. An August 2nd groundbreaking ceremony launched the project that will soon provide a new two-story activity and recreation center.

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s Public Works Officer, Cmdr. Tyler Scharar, oversees the project’s progress. He said the work is provided by the Facility Adjustment Panel-Kanagawa (FAP-K) agreement between the U.S. and Japanese governments.

That agreement permitted the local government to provide the base community with “a number of new facilities in exchange for the U.S. government returning the land at Negishi Housing Area back to the Government of Japan,” he continued. The project is being constructed by a Japanese contractor and administrated by Japan’s South Kanto Defense Bureau and U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers.

The new construction is anticipated to be more than just a building. It's a vision for a better future for Ikego's youth, offering facilities for activities such as karate, judo, and gymnastics, according to Chief Master-at-Arms Jamal Borden, Ikego Detachment Commander.

"Teenage students will benefit the most as they'll also have an actual youth center where they can go. They don't have dedicated facilities right now, especially since the project demolished the old bubble gym. Even there, they just had a basketball court,” he said.

The reinforced concrete construction of the soon-to-be Living Support Facility is expected to host a School Age Care (SAC) Center, a Youth Center, a Teen Center, multi-purpose community rooms and common areas, a kitchen, a music room, a laundromat, and office space. The facility was designed with the latest building codes for seismic, energy, and life safety systems.

"This new structure will last fifty-plus years. It's an investment into Navy families for many decades,” added Scharar.

The project is one of six currently underway at Ikego Family Housing Area. A new Child Development Center, MWR club dining, and a mini–Defense Commissary Agency and Navy Exchange establishment are among the most awaited new facilities.

“[Ikego is] getting a lot of brand-new facilities for families. The new facilities for family living support, fire department, and public works will ensure families have a safe and positive experience living in Japan," said Scharar.

The revitalization of the Ikego community reflects the shared commitment between the U.S. and Japanese governments to enhance living conditions and provide additional resources to improve morale.

• Date Taken: 08.17.2023
• Date Posted: 09.29.2023 01:24
• Story ID: 454509
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP