Installation of new playground equipment at Waikōloa Village park begins

The long-awaited playground redevelopment project at Pu‘u Nui Park in Waikōloa Village is finally underway.

The project includes the installation of two new play structures with slides and climbing areas, a new play surface to enhance safety and fencing. The improvements are expected to be complete by the end of February.

The two play structures include a swing set and a toddler swing. It will replace the old wooden and metal structure that had been in disrepair for years.

The playground equipment, with a price tag of $104,780, was purchased with money raised from several fundraisers held in 2022 by Waikōloa Village residents, Friends of Pu‘u Nui Park, committed to seeing the park revitalized.

The redevelopment effort of the space is a collaboration between the group and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks & Recreation.

“Addressing these long-awaited improvements was one of our administration’s priorities,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “We can’t overstate the importance of safe and adequate recreation for our keiki, and we know that this new playground will be a relief to families and community members who have expressed concern over the deterioration of the old playground equipment.”

During the project, Parks & Recreation’s Maintenance Division will excavate and prepare the subgrade at the playground area, build new concrete walkways, steps, and retaining walls, and add new fencing around the playground area. In addition, the department has hired a contractor to install the playground’s new safety surfacing system consisting of both synthetic turf and rubber mulch.

The Friends of Pu‘u Nui Park and their contractor will lay out and install the concrete footings for the playground equipment. Final assembly of the new playground equipment will be led by the Friends of Pu‘u Nui Park, who will be putting out a call soon for community volunteers to assist in the effort.

The public is asked to stay out of the playground area until the new facility is completed, inspected, and officially opened for use. The park will remain open during the project. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.