Tribune-Herald staff reports
Tribune-Herald staff reports
For the second time this month, Hawaii County’s Department of Parks and Recreation is reopening a popular Hilo park that has undergone extensive renovations.
County officials will join various dignitaries in welcoming people back to Reed’s Bay Beach Park during a public ceremony set for 10 a.m. to noon today. The public is encouraged to attend the blessing ceremony. Refreshments will be served.
Closed since last August, the Banyan Drive park now features new paved walkways, integrated seat walls, outdoor showers, drinking fountain, picnic tables and landscaping. Nan Inc. completed the work under a $690,763 contract.
Assisting the contractor in a collaborative effort were Parks and Rec maintenance employees, who cleared the area, spread sand and performed other work in-house.
A $248,525 federal grant helped to finance the improvements that culminated a six-year effort to make the park more accessible, safer and appealing.
Earlier this month, the county reopened an improved and expanded Gilbert Carvalho Park in Hilo. The park was closed last September to undertake an $890,000 upgrade.