Island School has a new playground for its keiki. “Once upon a time during the last school year, a few mothers decided it would be good to remodel the old sand box,” explained Island School dad, Sam Pratt. “This initial
Island School has a new playground for its keiki.
“Once upon a time during the last school year, a few mothers decided it would be good to remodel the old sand box,” explained Island School dad, Sam Pratt. “This initial thought was the seed that grew into the extreme makeover of Island School’s Keiki Playground over the summer.”
Pratt presided over the blessing and opening of the new playground at Island School Nov. 9.
Conceived, devised, organized and funded by a group of Island School parents, the renovation began as the 2006-2007 school year ended and continued through the summer.
The new playground incorporates natural features such as a double slide that’s built inside a small hill. Children climb to the top and slide to the bottom. A boat-shaped sand box (sand boat) features a shade cover painted to look like clouds with sea birds. Sets of low, wide stairs lead to two “bamboo huts” which are joined by a swinging bridge and surrounded with native vegetation. The centerpiece of the playground is the space net, a rocket-shaped climbing structure.
“We’re waiting for the swing set,” said playground committee member Robin Pratt.
An energetic group of volunteers joined Robin Pratt in providing the leadership and labor for this project: Jeffrey and Bridgette Orsatelli, Earl Lemn, Derwyn Lemn, Clifford Pimental, Laura and Trevor Ryan, Adeline Sears and Joan Shaw. They stand at the ready to install the swings when they arrive sometime in December.
At a short presentation at the school’s main hall, Sam Pratt read off the names of the Island School Board of Directors who were present, followed by a list of the many donors who provided financial and material support for the playground.
When the moment arrived, it was like Christmas morning for the over 40 children in attendance. Hawaiian Studies teacher Sabra Kauka led the excited children out of the building to the entrance of the playground where sixth-grader Riley Dabin performed kani ka pu (blowing the conch shell). This was followed by an ‘oli by Kumu Kauka and the children joining her in blessing their new playground.
The handmade paper chain was ceremoniously broken by kindergartner Makali‘i Oliviera and the young crowd poured out onto the playground. As the sun set, graceful high school dancers from the school’s hula halau, E Kupa‘a Kakou Na ‘Olapa O Ke Kai, under the direction of Aunty Shelby Dabin performed on the hill surrounding the slide.
The children played into the evening under the watchful eyes of their parents, teachers and friends.
There’s something for everyone. “I like the Space Net because I can climb all the way to the top,” says first-grader Nai‘a Burkart.
Classmate Mao Fukada thinks the Space Net is “kinda scary, but I like scary stuff,” he says.
Rachel Dressler says the bamboo huts are her favorite because of the bridge. “I play house in there.”
Dawson Kalapaca and Makali‘i Oliviera like the slide the best.
Another favorite is the sand boat, filled with toy tractors, front loaders, shovels and dump trucks.
“To the parents, I can only say, mahalo nui loa,” said head of the school, Bob Springer, at the opening ceremony. “You’ve done us proud, and we’re honored by your support, your concern, and your incredible results.”
