Ulu Wini housing complex playground opens

A new outdoor playground at the Ulu Wini housing complex in Kailua-Kona is now open.

HOPE Services Hawaii joined residents of Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini (The Homes at Ulu Wini) to inaugurate the new playground on March 23. The $180,000 state-of-the-art Miracle Mega Tower was made possible through a contribution from the Roberts Foundation and is a first not only for Ulu Wini, but also the first play structure of its kind in Hawaii.

“This is a valuable recreation area for Ulu Wini residents and keiki,” said Brandee Menino, Chief Executive Officer of HOPE Services Hawaii. “We are so thankful to the Roberts Foundation; the playground provides an opportunity for families to socialize and children to exercise outdoors in beautiful Kailua-Kona.”

The 62-foot by 52-foot Mega Tower features four brightly-colored play structures including a heptagon double decker tower and water fountain, spiral and wave slides, a fish bridge, play panels and climbing apparatus including stairs, risers, ladders and a fossil bluff climbing wall. The play structures, with the exception of the water fountain, are covered with recycled steel roofing or commercial grade fabric umbrellas.

Last month, NyLawn began construction of the Mega Tower playground with assistance from Ulu Wini residents; volunteers from Lake Mead Christian Academy helped prep the turf area.

The Homes at Ulu Wini, built in 2011 by the County of Hawaii’s Office of Housing & Community Development and operated by HOPE Services, provides 96 two-bedroom units — 24 transitional housing for homeless families, 71 affordable housing dedicated to low-income families and one unit for the resident manager.