Renovated Waiakea Recreation Center Reopens Friday

Martial arts and other athletic demonstrations will be on tap Friday as the county reopens the Waiakea Recreation Center.

The county will hold a public blessing and rededication ceremony from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the renovated facility located at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Kalanikoa Street.

The center has undergone a five-month, $1.7 million makeover that includes new roof insulation, ceiling fans and lighting.

The work also included renovation of bathrooms and showers, which are now connected to the county’s wastewater system, and repair of the building’s extensive termite and water damage.

The parking lot has been graded and repaved and an underground drainage system has been installed.

This is how the center looked when it was closed for renovation in October. File photo.

County officials said the general contractor, Stan’s Contracting, was assisted in the effort by several martial arts organizations which helped prepare for the rededication, and by miscellaneous repairs carried out by personnel from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Maintenance Division.

During the renovation the center’s martial arts, fitness programs and other activities were moved to the Pi`ihonua Gym at Gilbert Carvalho Park.

Refreshments will be served at Friday’s ceremony.