The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation celebrated the reopening of the Volcano Skatepark on Saturday following extensive repairs “completed in collaboration with a contingent of dedicated volunteers from the Volcano and skateboarding communities,” according to a county press release.
Skateboarders, roller skaters, and families joined county officials and skatepark volunteers at the reopening event, which featured speakers, a blessing and a lei-untying.
“It’s an honor to stand alongside the dedicated community volunteers who put in countless hours to help us make this important resource safe and accessible for everyone once again,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We understand how valuable these skateparks are in providing our keiki with safe, fun spaces to develop their skills and stay on a positive path. This reopening is a testament to what we can achieve when the community comes together and works with us to get things done.”
The skatepark, one of eight county skateparks across the island — and the only one of wood construction and situated indoors — was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic after the surface of the wooden skating structure deteriorated to the point that it posed considerable safety risks to users.
As Parks and Recreation explored options to address the skatepark, a group within the Volcano community advocated for rehabilitating the wooden structure and stepped up to support the effort.
The Volcano Skatepark Organization established a Friends of the Park agreement with Parks and Recreation and provided expertise and labor, while Parks and Rec supplied the building materials and general oversight of the restoration project.
“Working with the Volcano Skatepark Organization was vital to the success of this project,” said Maurice Messina, director of Parks and Recreation. “The volunteers’ passion for the sport of skateboarding, combined with their knowledge of skate park construction, allowed us to join together and restore this important community asset. We extend a big mahalo to the Volcano Skatepark Group and all those who supported this endeavor.”
Parks and Recreation plans to continue making improvements to the structure that surrounds the skatepark and hopes that the partnership with the Volcano Skatepark Organization will provide ongoing and timely maintenance of the skatepark to ensure the continued use and enjoyment for skaters.
The skatepark is at Volcano Park, 19-4030 Wright Road in Volcano. The county park site also includes the Cooper Center facility, a playground, restrooms and other amenities.
