For years many in the community have planned for and worked toward development of an enhanced recreational site at Lydgate Park.
Supporting the master plan for Lydgate that was created and approved by the community in 2000, Mayor Bryan Baptiste recently transmitted to the County Council proposed amendments to the County’s camping ordinance, allowing for camping at Lydgate Park.
The recreational experience at Lydgate will be like no other park on Kaua‘i, said Tim Bynum, the community response specialist and long time park volunteer who worked with Mayor Baptiste on this issue.
Permits for camping at Lydgate will be site-specific, and each site will have its own designated tent pad, picnic table and barbecue grill.
The restroom facilities near the camping area are equipped with individual shower stalls, amenities not found in any other County park.
Additionally, a group campsite is available, accommodating up to 75 campers, and ADA-compliant campsites have been constructed.
Because the current County ordinance did not allow for camping at Lydgate, Mayor Baptiste submitted to the County Council proposed amendments to permit camping at the park and establish fees for such usage.
According to the proposed amendments, permits for Lydgate Park will be issued during the same times and at the same locations camping permits are issued for other County parks.
The number of days camped at Lydgate will be included in the 60-day yearly limit previously established in the camping ordinance.
Individual campsites are available with a 10’ x 10’ or 20’ x 20’ tent pad.
The proposed ordinance amendments specify that a maximum of five people per 10’ x 10’ tent pad campsite and 10 people per 20’ x 20’ tent pad campsite will be allowed.
Individual campsite fees proposed in the amendments are $25 per day for non-residents and $15 per day for Hawai‘i State residents.
The fees for the group campsite are proposed at $125 per day for non-residents and $75 per day for Hawai’i State Residents.
The proposed amendments also specify that the group camping permit includes exclusive use of the group camp pavilion.
This proposal is the result of a community-developed master plan, Baptiste said.
“I believe the proposed amendments are fair and relative to the community’s discussions in the development of the plan for Lydgate Park,” the Mayor said.
“This revised camping ordinance supports the community’s efforts and vision for that area.” Mayor Baptiste also thanked the community for their efforts in developing the entire recreational experience at Lydgate Park.
“This process involved the community from the beginning,” the mayor.
“The partnership between Kaua’i’s people, the County and many organizations have yielded this amazing park for our island, its people and its visitors.”
