PUHI — Kaua‘i’s keiki are now able to enjoy new playground equipment at Puhi and ‘Oma‘o county parks, a county press release announced Wednesday. “It’s important that our children expend their youthful energy in positive ways,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho,
PUHI — Kaua‘i’s keiki are now able to enjoy new playground equipment at Puhi and ‘Oma‘o county parks, a county press release announced Wednesday.
“It’s important that our children expend their youthful energy in positive ways,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. in a prepared statement. “Having new equipment installed at two of our county parks enables youngsters to play in a safe and fun place.”
The capital improvement project, funded by Kaua‘i County’s general fund, cost $211,070 to develop.
Mayor Carvalho said all county parks have been placed on a regular maintenance program. Parks with existing playground equipment will have equipment replaced on a rotating basis.
“The current schedule calls for county parks to have their playground equipment repaired or replaced every 13 years, depending on the condition of the equipment and the county budget,” said William Trugillo, parks project manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Six of the play systems that were installed at Puhi and ‘Oma‘o parks are elevated and geared for older children including: 360-degree spiral slide; wave slide; vertical climbing wall; spiral climbing pole; balcony deck with steering wheel; and a tic tack toe activity panel.
For younger children, there are two types of ground-level play equipment, a straight crawl tunnel and a gear panel. For children 5 to 12 years old, a single-post swing set with two seats was installed.
The scope of work included pouring concrete foundations, installing playground equipment and applying rubberized safety surfaces.
The contract, awarded to Pacific Blue Construction, took approximately five months to construct from groundbreaking to final completion.
An ADA compliant walkway leading to the adjacent bus stop and new housing development to Puhi Park was also installed, while the ‘Oma‘o Park project included the creation of an ADA parking stall.
