MEDIA RELEASE

Hilo’s Waiakeawaena Park playground will be closed for renovation through early June.

The project is a partnership between the county Department of Parks and Recreation and the state Department of Education (DOE) that will provide a safe, modern playground for both the community and Waiakeawaena Elementary School students to enjoy.

The park’s ball fields and gymnasium will remain open and available for use during the construction phase, although the work will have a slight impact on part of the main ball field’s right field area.

The DOE has hired contractor Pacific Recreation Co. LLC to build a replacement playground designed for keiki 2 to 5 years old and an adjacent play area for children between the ages of 5 and 12.

Features include multiple slides, covered decks, climbing walls and a safety surface. Waiakeawaena Elementary School, which is located next to the park, is providing two park benches that will be installed as part of the overall project estimated to cost approximately $220,000.

The Department of Parks and Recreation thanks state Sen. Gilbert Kahele for helping secure state funding needed to replace the aging playground, along with Mayor Billy Kenoi and Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi for their valuable support of this needed project.