Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation joined community partners on Wednesday, July 16, to celebrate the official opening of a significant addition to the Kona Skatepark. The newly completed expansion project has more than doubled the size of the skatepark, introducing new quarter pipes, rails, a pyramid, and various other skating elements for public use.
The Kona Skatepark, located at Kailua Park next to the old runway, had its first major section built in 2012. The recently finished expansion is the culmination of two years of dedicated fundraising, planning, design, and construction, largely led by a committed group of volunteers with substantial support from the County of Hawaiʻi.
Flaunn Elder-Jamieson, a volunteer instrumental in spearheading the project, extended thanks to the Kona Skatepark ʻOhana team, the numerous community volunteers, and the County, acknowledging “too many contributors to name.” Elder-Jameison expressed the profound satisfaction of the achievement, stating, “It’s like no other feeling I’ve ever had, the feeling of completion and celebrating with the people who really backed us in this project. It’s such a sense of pride.”
The project received support from various sources, including private donations and volunteer contributions. County Council members Holeka Goro Inaba and Rebecca Villegas both provided direct funding, and the Department of Parks and Recreation supplied various materials, supplies, and services to support the effort.
Mayor Kimo Alameda praised the collaborative nature of the project. “This skatepark is an example of what we can accomplish when the community comes together to support our youth,” Mayor Alameda said, extending appreciation to the volunteers and partners for making the expansion possible.
Following a blessing ceremony on Wednesday, the expanded skatepark was officially opened to the public, with skateboarders immediately trying out the new features.
Beyond the skatepark expansion, the Department of Parks and Recreation is also moving forward with other upgrades at Kailua Park. A separate project to demolish the old terminal building and construct several new restroom facilities and a concession building is anticipated to go out to bid for construction later this year.
Clayton Honma, Director of Parks and Recreation, commended the volunteers’ efforts. “This skatepark addition is a major improvement, and we really appreciate the efforts of all the volunteers,” Honma said. “We look forward to continuing to make significant upgrades at Kailua Park, which is such a vital recreational resource for the West Hawaiʻi community.”
Kailua Park is located at 75-5500 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, and operates daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.