Kyoto Racecourse unveils free large playground facility for family fun
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 02:32
Picture of the Park Area
A new facility, which you'd never imagine based on the typical impression of horse racing as "entertainment with gambling," has been created at Kyoto Racecourse. Named "Paka Run!" this indoor, large-scale playground is free to use and officially opens on the 20th. It was designed by BorneLund, a company known for developing environments and equipment for play.
The 660 square meter space, full of open areas, is divided into four different play areas: the Park Area, Active Area, Imagination Area, and Baby Area. This setup allows for varied types of play tailored to different ages and interests. Visitors can engage in active fun or, if tired, enjoy reading books and playing with toys.
What surprises visitors is that the facility does not have any monitors displaying live horse racing or betting odds, making it impossible to watch the races. The race commentary is only faintly audible near the entrance and practically unheard in the deeper parts of the facility. It is a space dedicated entirely to children's play. Why was this decision made? Daisuke Yamamoto, Assistant Manager of the Customer Relations Section at Kyoto Racecourse, explains the reasoning.
"The presence of monitors would inevitably draw attention to the races. We deliberately chose not to install them, as we wanted to create a safe and enjoyable environment for children and their families.
"Both those who bet and those who don't will find that, during their time at 'Paka Run!', it's a chance to focus on enjoying time with the family and children. For someone like me who bets on races, it feels like a valuable space where one can reset their flow and mindset, especially if their betting rhythm isn't good (this is just a personal opinion). For horse racing enthusiasts with children, it might also serve as an opportunity to bring the family to the racetrack."
A resident of Kyoto, Mr. Shirakawa, who was invited to the preview, shared, "I personally don't engage in horse betting, but I have taken my kids to the Bornelund facility in Katsura (Gatagoto) before. My children are familiar with it and enjoy themselves. The racetrack is very clean, and there are opportunities for children to interact with ponies and participate in kid-focused events, which allows for a variety of experiences. I definitely want to come again." It appears that even those unfamiliar with horse racing find the space thoroughly appealing.
The Japan Racing Association (JRA) initiated the "UMAJO" project several years ago, aiming to attract women by enhancing services targeted at them, which has successfully garnered new fans. The increase in child-friendly facilities could serve as a catalyst for parents and grandparents, who are not typically involved in horse racing, to visit the racetrack, potentially broadening the fan base. As these children grow up, they may develop a fondness for horse racing, thereby ensuring its continued popularity in the future.
Currently, the JRA racetracks have a similar facility called "Uma Kids Room" at Nakayama, but this is the first in the Kansai region. "If Kyoto is successful, we believe these initiatives will accelerate further. It's crucial to first bring people to the venue to expose them to the charm of horse racing; this is one step towards that," said Assistant Manager Yamamoto. The event participation app (https://jra-fun.jp/sanka-app/) allows for registration (reservation required), and while facility use is free, entry fees to the racetrack apply during race events. Families, especially those with young children, are encouraged to discover new attractions at the Kyoto Racetrack.
The 660 square meter space, full of open areas, is divided into four different play areas: the Park Area, Active Area, Imagination Area, and Baby Area. This setup allows for varied types of play tailored to different ages and interests. Visitors can engage in active fun or, if tired, enjoy reading books and playing with toys.
What surprises visitors is that the facility does not have any monitors displaying live horse racing or betting odds, making it impossible to watch the races. The race commentary is only faintly audible near the entrance and practically unheard in the deeper parts of the facility. It is a space dedicated entirely to children's play. Why was this decision made? Daisuke Yamamoto, Assistant Manager of the Customer Relations Section at Kyoto Racecourse, explains the reasoning.
"The presence of monitors would inevitably draw attention to the races. We deliberately chose not to install them, as we wanted to create a safe and enjoyable environment for children and their families.
"Both those who bet and those who don't will find that, during their time at 'Paka Run!', it's a chance to focus on enjoying time with the family and children. For someone like me who bets on races, it feels like a valuable space where one can reset their flow and mindset, especially if their betting rhythm isn't good (this is just a personal opinion). For horse racing enthusiasts with children, it might also serve as an opportunity to bring the family to the racetrack."
A resident of Kyoto, Mr. Shirakawa, who was invited to the preview, shared, "I personally don't engage in horse betting, but I have taken my kids to the Bornelund facility in Katsura (Gatagoto) before. My children are familiar with it and enjoy themselves. The racetrack is very clean, and there are opportunities for children to interact with ponies and participate in kid-focused events, which allows for a variety of experiences. I definitely want to come again." It appears that even those unfamiliar with horse racing find the space thoroughly appealing.
The Japan Racing Association (JRA) initiated the "UMAJO" project several years ago, aiming to attract women by enhancing services targeted at them, which has successfully garnered new fans. The increase in child-friendly facilities could serve as a catalyst for parents and grandparents, who are not typically involved in horse racing, to visit the racetrack, potentially broadening the fan base. As these children grow up, they may develop a fondness for horse racing, thereby ensuring its continued popularity in the future.
Currently, the JRA racetracks have a similar facility called "Uma Kids Room" at Nakayama, but this is the first in the Kansai region. "If Kyoto is successful, we believe these initiatives will accelerate further. It's crucial to first bring people to the venue to expose them to the charm of horse racing; this is one step towards that," said Assistant Manager Yamamoto. The event participation app (https://jra-fun.jp/sanka-app/) allows for registration (reservation required), and while facility use is free, entry fees to the racetrack apply during race events. Families, especially those with young children, are encouraged to discover new attractions at the Kyoto Racetrack.
Article Creds:Daily Sports