CONTRIBUTED BY KARA PIERACCINI
I like to take my kids to the park. We go to new parks often and are usually pleased with the fun playgrounds the Okinawans have imagined and built. Every once in a while, though, we find one that astonishes us. My kids will get out of the car, jaws hanging open, with excitement written all over their faces. The Uehara Upland Park is one of those parks.
Sitting on a hill, the playground is almost too much to take in at first. The main structure is a maze of ladders, nets, and bridges, all taking you up the hill to the top of the structure and the rollerslide. There are three other 
The park also has a large concrete slide, a small structure for the little ones, and swings.
Bathrooms are available and the park has lots of shade and a small grassy area to sit and watch the kids play.
Directions: From Foster, head out the legion gate and go straight through the stoplight on 81. Turn right onto 29 towards exit 3 of the expressway. Drive past exit 3 and the turn offs for 35 and 32. After you pass the intersection of 34, you’ll come right up on another stoplight. Make a right and the park will be almost immediately on your left.
From Kadena, head out Gate 2 and turn right at the four corners onto 330. At the intersection of 81 and the Foster legion gate, make a left onto 81. Turn right onto 29 towards exit 3 of the expressway. Drive pass exit 3 and the turn offs for 35 and 32. After you pass the intersection of 34, you’ll come right up on another stoplight. Make a right and the park will be almost immediately on your left.