Project to create play areas for after-school activities (Waiwai Hiroba)

Waiwai Hiroba is a playground that uses the schoolyards and other areas of elementary schools in Fukuoka City, providing a place for elementary school students to play and spend time independently after school.

Business Features

• We value the opportunity for children to leave their school bags behind after school and play at their own pace in the schoolyard, etc. Children can play with a variety of friends regardless of their grade, class, or location.
• Children can enjoy a safe and secure environment under adult supervision.

Comments from parents of participating children

• "I have more friends" "I have more time to hang out with my friends"
• "I've started playing outside more," "I've discovered the joy of playing outside," "I've started to like playing outside."
• "I've become able to do a lot more things and my interests have grown."
• "I started going to school looking forward to playing at school or in the playground."
• "I've started to plan my actions, for example by paying attention to the day of the week."

Business overview

Target

1st to 6th graders who live in the school district where the program is being implemented
*Pre-registration is required.

Implementation date/time

Place

Elementary school playgrounds, etc.

Message

• Free play, group play
• Balls and other equipment are also available for rental.
• On some days, playworkers will be available to assist with play.

cost

Free (insurance premiums such as accident insurance must be paid by the guardian)

Basic Concept of WaiWai Hiroba

1. We aim to promote healthy development of children's minds and bodies by stimulating play.
2. We place importance on involvement with the local community and parents.
3. Continuously develop human resources to support the business.

How to participate

application

Registration will be handled by the on-site manager (Waiwai Sensei) of each school. (For inquiries, please contact the on-site manager of each school or the contracted business (see bottom of page).)

On the day of participation

1. After school, the children go to the reception desk and submit their participation cards, which have been stamped by the participants.
2. We will notify you in advance of playworkers and events.
3. When it is time to go home, staff will call out to you. You will receive a "Participation Card" and then go home.

Points to remember

1. In principle, the event will be canceled in the event of rain.
2. Although WaiWai Hiroba implements safety management measures to prevent serious accidents, it is a place for children to play freely and independently, and injuries may occur during play. In principle, participants are responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur during their participation.
3. This is a developmental program for children (it is not a program intended to provide care).

Management system

The operation is carried out by a company commissioned by the city, with the advice of the school district's management council (PTA, school district council, community center, school, etc.). The following staff members will ensure the safety of the participating children and support their play.　　　　　　　　　　　　

Waiwai Teacher

A leader in enriching playgrounds
As the site manager, you will manage the playground and act as the liaison for participating children, recruiting and registering them.

Assistant

Local people who assist WaiWai Sensei
On the day, we will be checking in the children and watching over them to ensure their safety.

Watching Supporter

Parents and local volunteers
They watch over the children gently and sometimes play with them.

Play Worker

Supporters that bring out your playful side
We visit children regularly to help bring out the playful side of them and encourage them to "try things."

Youth Development Coordinator

People who work with schools and local communities
They will visit each school and communicate and coordinate with the school, local community, and related organizations.

Management council for each school district

It is made up of people from the PTA, local government councils, community centers, schools, etc., and provides advice and recommendations on how to implement the plaza.

Contracted business operator

A company entrusted with the operation of the facility by the city of Fukuoka

Creating a Play Space as a Place to Stay HANDBOOK

Not only those involved in Waiwai Hiroba, but also those who work with children after school hours can use this as a reference for thinking about children's play and how to interact with children.
*Unauthorized posting, duplication, or reproduction of photographs, illustrations, text, etc. is prohibited.

Reference document

Link

• Information on the 2026 "Children's Play" Supporter Training Course
• New after-school playground creation model project review and proposal meeting
• Committee for Promoting the Creation of Play Spaces for After-School Activities
• After-school Program Promotion Committee(From FY2021)
• After-school Program Promotion Committee(Until FY2)

Contact information (how to apply, event dates, etc.)

Waiwai Hiroba Contact Information (List of Schools)

*For inquiries regarding application procedures, event dates, etc., please contact the contracted business listed above.
For general business inquiries, please contact us at the address below.
Fukuoka City Board of Education After-school Child Development Division Telephone　092-711-4236