Okay so it’s Saturday and you are bored out of your mind. What do you do? You get in the car and head over to okinawa Comprehensive Park… It has something for everyone. I promise you will not walk away disappointed. You may be exhausted from all the fun you’ve had but definitely not disappointed!

My family found the okinawa Comprehensive Park (OCP) out of sheer boredom and the fact that someone said “I think there is a park down that road.” So to save you the trouble of trying to find it on your own, I’ll give you a virtual tour and some pretty good directions!

Are you the romantic type? Broke and need a cheap date? OCP is the place! Because nature is so very important to this culture you will find great areas in OCP for romantic picnics. There are plenty of paths to take long walks, and there is such a peaceful atmosphere there - especially around all the ponds. You can rent paddle boats very affordably and there are several huge fishponds with ducks and birds for feeding. Of course the landscaping is breathtaking with everything so perfectly placed. I could spend the day just laying by the water looking at its magnificent view. And I’m not alone! As you walk through the park you will find many people doing just that!

Are you the athletic type? Love to run or jog? Bicycle? Again OCP has it all! Within the park there are several buildings which include an indoor soccer field, stadium, and fitness center. There is a big track for running and another for bicycling. If you would rather take the scenic route (which most people do), all the paths are marked for 1k, 2k and 5k runs. The paths are mostly shaded over by all the beautiful trees, which, if you have been on the rock during summer, you know how important that is! One path ends up at the ocean with a fantastic view. I’m not the running type so I just go to walk and take in all the scenery.

So, are the kids driving you insane? Praying for school to start again? Fill a cooler (one with wheels) and load the kids in the car for a trip to the OCP! The park is great fun for kids of all ages! There are several playgrounds throughout the park and these are really great playgrounds! There are toys for little ones to climb on and wire slides for the older kids. While I was there with my kids, I watched as parents left with their children crying not to go, and sure enough, mine did too. It’s just the kind of place you don’t want to leave!

On top of all I have already mentioned the park offers much more. There are art centers that offer classes (all in Japanese), a water slide and tide pool park (admission is very reasonable at 850 yen for adults and 100 yen for kids), and Blue Seal Ice cream stands! Don’t expect to see it all in one day, especially if you are going with kids. Just keep in mind that all the signs are in Japanese so you just have to wander if you can’t read Japanese… its worth it though! You will want to come back again anyway!

If you are going in the summer please make sure you are hydrated and bring plenty of water with you. There are plenty of water fountains everywhere and of course the ever-present vending machines, so bring yen for drinks, ice cream, rentals and fish food. The park also offers exceptionally clean restroom facilities, all of which offer Japanese style and handicapped toilets.

To get there, go out Camp Foster’s legion gate straight onto highway 81. From highway 81, turn left on highway 329 and look for the A&W restaurant. The park will be on your right. So, get out of the house and go to the okinawa Comprehensive Park – you’ll have a blast! The park can provide endless hours of entertainment and you’ll be glad you stopped by!