HANALEI — Josh Comstock didn’t mince words when asked why he joined about 20 volunteers in removing the old playground equipment at Hanalei School on Sunday.
“It was horrible,” he said.
His third-grade daughter, Tallulah, attends school there, so dad was happy to pitch in to remove the old to make way for the newer — and safer — yet to come.
“It’s all for the kids,” the Hanalei resident said.
It didn’t take long.
Under sunny skies, the group tore down the slides, climbing structures and stairs that were put to good use by thousands of keiki in the last decade. Much of it had rusted since it was put up 10 years ago and it was no longer considered safe.
Comstock and others wielded tools to cut out the soft surface because that had to go, too.
The small army of volunteers took everything apart and hauled it away within several hours.
Jenna Crisler, Hanalei School PTA president, said the old playground equipment was funded by a donation from actor Pierce Brosnan, whose child attended the school.
Already worn by age, the equipment’s condition took a big hit after the April 2018 flood.
Volunteers patched it together by covering rusted areas with waterproof tape and insulation. When a step broke through it was repaired, but it was clear upgrades were necessary.
The PTA inquired of the state Department of Education about help to refurbish it, but after a DOE site visit, it was condemned.
“It got to the point where it was a liability,” said Tony Sines, principal.
Since then, it hasn’t been used. Students aren’t without options. A large grass field and basketball courts behind the school are often filled with keiki at play.
“They’ve gotten really good at soccer,” Crisler said, smiling.
Once the funds are raised, new playground equipment and a safety surface will be ordered, but that’s not expected to happen this year.
The campaign being led by Sonja Moffatt is to raise $265,000. So far, about $90,000 has been donated.
Organizers are confident they will reach their goal.
“We are looking to get the message out that the kids need the financial assistance from the community to make this new, safe playground a reality,” wrote Kerrin Murphy.
Donations are being accepted at hanaleipta.org.
