Hawaiʻi County Announces Reopening of Gyms, Community Centers

Gyms and community centers are coming back online on the Big Island.

Hawaiʻi County announced Friday that it would reopen those county-run facilities gymnasiums and community centers on Nov. 1, 2022. The Department of Parks and Recreation is also working toward reopening its senior centers, senior congregate meal sites and senior classes by January 2022, according to a press release from the Office of Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth.

“As case numbers continue to decline, we believe that it is time to begin our return to normalcy by getting our community back into our gyms and recreations facilities,” Roth said. “We know that active lifestyles contribute to a healthier immune system and can greatly improve our chances against the virus, and we are excited to be able to get folks back to the activities they love most, safely. In addition, we are encouraging organizations to apply for exemptions so that spectators may be allowed to enjoy from the stands.”

County gymnasiums and community centers will be available for scheduled, organized recreation activities, and reservations are required. The Recreation Directors at each facility will work with the public on reservations, sanitization protocols, and return-to-play safety plans.

For more information, including dates and times of availability, contact the appropriate Parks and Recreation facility directly, or contact the department’s recreation division at (808) 961-8740.