Mauna Kea Recreation Area Adds Playground

It has been a little over a year since the County of Hawai’i took over the stewardship of the renamed Mauna Kea Recreation Area, formerly under the direction of the state.

Since the acquisition, the county has worked towards a variety of improvements, including new roadway pavement, picnic areas, lighted flag poles, new landscaping, and overnight security.

Nearly two months ago, the county announced the opening of new restroom facilities at the park.

Now, a new children’s playground has been added. The new equipment will provide a play area for children at the park, a middle ground on the Saddle Road stretch.

Mayor Billy Kenoi, County Councilman Aaron Chung, and County Department of Parks and Recreation officials will join together on Monday, Aug. 17 to commemorate the newest edition to the recreation area and open it to the public.

Site Engineering and Takamine Construction Inc. tackled the 3,700-square-foot project. The equipment was designed for children between 5 and 12-years-old, placing emphasis on climbing skills with ropes, rails, and ladders, deterring away from more traditional features. Synthetic turf covers a padded layer, providing not only safety, but also accessibility.

The county project is part of $4 million the county has spent building new playgrounds on the Big Island since 2008.