January 9, 2025

A significant redevelopment project has begun at Pu’u Nui Park in Waikōloa Village, aimed at revitalizing the playground to provide a safer and more engaging environment for children.

The project involves installing two new play structures, complete with slides and climbing areas, and upgrading the play surface for enhanced safety. New fencing will also be erected around the playground. The improvements are scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

This redevelopment is a joint effort between the County of Hawai’i Department of Parks & Recreation and the Friends of Pu’u Nui Park, a community organization that successfully raised funds for the new equipment.

“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.”

The project will see the Parks & Recreation’s Maintenance Division carrying out extensive groundwork, including excavation and subgrade preparation, constructing new concrete walkways, steps, and retaining walls, and installing fencing. Additionally, a contractor has been engaged to lay down a new safety surfacing system made of synthetic turf and rubber mulch.

The Friends of Pu’u Nui Park will collaborate with their contractor to set up the concrete footings for the playground equipment. The final assembly of the new structures will be overseen by the Friends of Pu’u Nui Park, who will soon call for community volunteers to help with the installation.

Residents are advised to avoid the playground area until the redevelopment is fully completed, inspected, and officially opened. The rest of Pu’u Nui Park will remain open during the project, with park hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.