Community Playground & Multi-Purpose Court Initiative
Overview
We are seeking partnership with Catch the Fire to help establish a multi-purpose sports
court on our school/church grounds that will serve both students and youth from the
surrounding community. This space will be designed for basketball, tennis, and
pickleball, which are popular sports among young people in Japan, creating a safe,
welcoming environment where children and young people can gather, build friendships,
and experience positive community connection.
The total cost of the project is $30,000 USD. We are requesting $15,000 USD from
Catch the Fire, with the remaining $15,000 USD to be raised jointly by the school and
church community through Impacting Asia.
Vision & Purpose
Young people in Japan face immense social pressure to shine academically, while
simultaneously often struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Safe places
with organized events are uncommon, and most Japanese homes do not have large
backyards for children to play in.
Our vision is to create more than a playground—we want to establish a gathering place
where young people feel welcomed, valued, and safe. Sports naturally draw youth
together across backgrounds, cultures, and faith journeys. This multi-purpose court will
serve as a bridge between the church, the school, and the wider community.
The space will be open to:
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Elementary and junior high students
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Youth from the surrounding neighborhood
Through this initiative, we aim to foster connection, belonging, and opportunities for
discipleship in everyday, relational ways.
Community Impact
Catch The Fire AsiaRelationships with the local community have already been built by the school and the
church. In a time where many young people are isolated or lacking a safe place to
gather, this court will offer a consistent alternative from a trusted source in the
community.
This project will:
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Provide a safe, supervised play area for children and youth
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Encourage healthy physical activity and teamwork
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Create a natural space for relationship-building and mentorship
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Draw in youth who may not otherwise engage with the church
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Strengthen the bond between the school, church, and local community
Financial Summary
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Total Project Cost: $30,000 USD
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Requested from Catch the Fire: $15,000 USD
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Raised by School & Church: $15,000 USD
The school and church are fully committed to raising the remaining funds and
stewarding this project with excellence and accountability.
Project Timeline & Sustainability
Timeline for Completion
The goal is to complete the multi-purpose court in time for full use by Summer 2026,
allowing maximum impact during the school break and peak community engagement.
A local contractor has already provided a quote and timeline to confirm feasibility of
this timeframe. The court will be built on property already owned by the school and
church.
Sustainability & Long-Term Impact
The multi-purpose court is designed and built to be durable and low-maintenance, with
an expected lifespan of 10+ years. Regular care and oversight will be provided through
a joint school and church management plan to ensure the space remains safe,
welcoming, and well-used.
Because of its multi-sport design, the court will stay relevant as interests and
demographics shift, continuing to serve multiple age groups and outreach initiatives
well into the future.
Conclusion
With completion targeted for Summer 2026 and an expected lifespan of over a decade,
this swift moving project represents a long-term investment into the lives of children,
youth, and families. We believe this initiative aligns strongly with Catch the Fire’s heart
for mission, community impact, and raising the next generation. With your partnership,
this multi-purpose court will become a gathering place of life, laughter, connection, and
spiritual influence for years to come.
Proposed new multi-court impression with surrounding nets (image taken from
google). Below are the pictures of the current playground that was built 12 years ago,
this is being removed this month as it is no longer safe for children to play on but
shows the space where the new court will be built.
