KILAUEA — Anaina Hou Community Park, the 30-acre gathering place on the North Shore of Kauai that is home of Mini Golf and Gardens, is growing once again.
In addition to recently opening the Porter Pavilion, Anaina Hou is also working to introduce a new, 17,000-square-foot playground this fall.
The organization has successfully raised $650,000 to fund the creation of the playground and is seeking volunteers to help with the build. Individuals, families, civic and church groups, business teams and more are all welcome.
“We look forward to building this amazing new space for our keiki this fall but cannot do so without the support of volunteers from our community,” said Executive Director Thomas Daubert. “We hope you’ll join us.”
Volunteer shifts are available Aug. 15-19. All skill levels are needed. Lunch, snacks and childcare will be provided. The project also requires the commitments of skilled workers, the temporary use of tools and heavy equipment, and the generosity of local food purveyors to help feed the team.
The vision for the playground began years earlier when Bill Porter and community member Jason Donovan met to discuss ideas for a new safe space for keiki to play on the North Shore.
Porter made a commitment of space on the Anaina Hou Community Park campus; the organization engaged the services of Leathers and Associates, the team who helped design and create the Kamalani Playground; and numerous people have worked tirelessly over the years to bring this project to its current state.
The equipment and educational signage of the new Anaina Hou Playground will tell the story of the Hawaiian Islands through a volcano climbing structure, replica of a sailing canoe, multi-level ahupuaa-themed structure, replica of a sugarcane train and areas to inspire young people to help create a sustainable future. A depiction of the playground can be viewed online at anainahou.org.
“We are also so grateful for each donor who has contributed to the project, from families who purchased a donor ohana tile, to the major donors who expressed amazing levels of generosity,” Daubert said.
To register to help or for more information, visit anainahou.org or call volunteer coordinator Sue Boynton at 635-6056.
