New Keiki Playground Opened August 17 at Mauna Kea Recreation Area

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JNt-4 OF William P. Kenoi Mayor r -� •e *rE OF Hf� Countp of'abnai`i DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808) 961-8311 • Fax (808) 961-8411 http://www.hawaiicounty.aov/parks-and-recreation/ NEWS RELEASE August 17, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Clayton S. Houma Director Kenneth J. Van Bergen Deputy Director New Keiki Playground Opened August 17 at Mauna Kea Recreation Area Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, County Councilman Aaron Chung, and the Department of Parks and Recreation helped open Hawaii County's newest playground Monday, August 17, by dedicating a 3,700 -square -foot playground at Mauna Kea Recreation Area. General contractor Site Engineering Inc., with assistance from Takamine Construction Inc., built the unique playground designed for keiki 5 to 12 years old. It utilizes a system of ropes, rails, spinning apparatus, and climbing ladders to emphasize balance and movement. To protect the children from falls, the playground also features a padded safety surface protected by a synthetic -turf covering that resembles natural grass. Hawaii County has invested more than $4 million building new playgrounds around the island since Mayor Kenoi took office in December 2008. Additional playground construction is planned in the near future. The playground is open daily at the park located near 34 -mile marker of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Since assuming stewardship of the former State park on July 1, 2014, Hawaii County has opened new restrooms, paved the parking area, created a picnic area, installed lighted flag poles, landscaped the area, and hired security at the renamed Mauna Kea Recreation Area. Future plans call for renovating the cabins and water system to allow for overnight use. For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961-8311 or iarmstrong(a)-hawaiicounty.gov. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.