WAIMEA — More than 40 adults and children gathered Thursday for a tour of what soon will be a prominent new addition to North Hawaii: the 24-acre Waimea District Park.
“The target date to open the facility is Nov. 26, depending on weather and as work progresses,” said Clayton Honma, director of the County of Hawaii’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
The public has long awaited such as facility.
“This is a very exciting moment for Waimea, a 30-year dream coming true,” said Patti Cook, Waimea Community Association’s president, who arranged the public tour. “It has been a meaningful investment in health and wellness for our children and the entire community by the County of Hawaii and State Legislature, and from Parker Ranch who donated the land.”
Led by Glenn Kobayashi, Nan Inc.’s project manager for District Park construction, the tour showcased three basketball/volleyball courts, two storage rooms, a concession room and public restrooms inside the 20,000-square-foot building. It continued outside to preview the multi-use football/soccer field, playground and parking spaces adjacent to the structure. Paving is scheduled to begin this week, Kobayashi said.
“It will be open roughly from noon to 8 p.m. and may vary on weekends,” Honma said. “A rec director and rec tech will run the programs for Park and Rec. The director has already been hired and is currently working at the Waimea Community Center who will be taking over and running the programs here.”
A slew of local and state politicians, as well as residents, have rallied for the park over the decades. Late Councilman Kalani Schutte supported the cause early on. In 2005-06, before becoming the District 9 councilmember, Margaret Wille raised awareness of the zoning commitment that had been promised by Richard Smart to the community, including the connector road and park. Several years ago, former state Sen. Malama Solomon was instrumental in securing help from the state to help Mayor Billy Kenoi fund the $24 million project.
“I love seeing our tax money spent for the community and not for individuals,” Pat Hall said, a Waimea resident who took the tour. “The park is great because the more we can get people out and playing together, the better the community will be.”
Mel and Page Macy, who headed the all-volunteer Waimea District Park Builders hui for nearly 10 years, prepared a letter of thanks to all involved that was read aloud at the October Waimea Community Association meeting following the park tour.
“The Waimea District Park Builders was formed for the sole purpose of securing additional facilities in South Kohala to satisfy the recreational needs of a rapidly growing community,” Mel said. “In the beginning we were just looking to get an access road, some infrastructure, a few sports fields and space for further expansion. When Mayor Kenoi came on board, he said, ‘I think you need to add three covered courts in Phase 1.’ We said, ‘You’re the boss,’ and gladly added it to the design.”
Info: Jason Armstrong at 961-8311
