Playground renovations and the installation of new equipment are underway at Pu‘u Nui Park in Waikoloa Village and are projected to be completed by the end of February, county officials announced last week.
West Hawaii residents have been chiming in on social media for quite some time in anticipation of the new equipment.
The renovations have been envisioned for several years, with the Parks and Recreation Department in 2021 formally committing to supporting the project, county spokesman Tom Callis told West Hawaii Today.
“Addressing these long-awaited improvements was one of our administration’s priorities,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a statement.
Officials said the project will include at least two new structures, with slides, climbing areas, new play surface and fencing.
Personnel from Parks and Rec were tasked to prepare the playground area’s flooring, build new concrete walkways, steps and retaining walls.
The 4-acre park also includes a community center, pavilion, outdoor basketball court and various sports fields.
A contractor was hired by the county to install the playground’s new synthetic turf and rubber mulch.
“We can’t overstate the importance of safe and adequate recreation for our keiki, and we know that this new playground will be a relief to families and community members who have expressed concern over the deterioration of the old playground equipment,” Alameda said
Friends of Pu‘u Nui Park, a community group focused on Waikoloa Village, with the help of their contractor were assigned to lay out and install concrete footings for the new equipment.
The group will also be in charge of the final assembly of equipment and “will be putting out a call soon for community volunteers to assist in the effort,” according to the county.
Renovations and funds raised for the new equipment was a collaboration between the Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Pu‘u Nui Park. The cost of the project was not immediately available.
County officials advised the public to stay out of the playground area until the new facility is completed, inspected and officially opened for use.
The park will remain open during the construction from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“No date has been set for any reopening events as the exact project completion date is not yet known,” Callis said.
Email Erik Gabaldon at egabaldon@westhawaiitoday.com.
