The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks & Recreation announces that the children’s playground area at Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area will be closed starting Tuesday, May 28, to allow for the installation of a new safety surfacing system.

The playground closure is expected to last approximately one week, and the playground will be fenced off during this time. The project’s timeline is subject to change, with completion dependent on weather conditions and the potential for discovering hidden problems below the existing surfacing.

The park itself, and the restrooms and other facilities and amenities located there, will remain open during the project.

Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, located off the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, is a popular stopping point for travelers crossing Hawai‘i Island. In addition to the playground, the park features restroom facilities, a walking path with fitness equipment, and bunkhouses and cabins that allow for permitted camping.