KEKAHA — E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha is inviting the public to the Kekaha Family Fun Day to celebrate the Independence Day weekend at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Saturday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A Play Streets Kaua‘i pilot will also take place on Elepaio Road and portions of the Kekaha Neighborhood Center and H.P. Faye Park, also known as Kekaha Ball Park, from 10 a.m. to noon. All activities at Play Streets are free and open to the public.
“I am immensely grateful to all the partners who worked productively on this event for our keiki,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “This pilot is an example of creative, low-cost and community-oriented strategies to address barriers to promoting physical activity and social connections in our rural communities, such as limited resources and reduced access to active play spaces and events.”
Elepaio Road, from Alae Road to Amakihi Road, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to accommodate the Play Streets Kaua‘i event. With the closure of Elepaio Road, The Kaua‘i Bus stop fronting the Kekaha Neighborhood Center will not be in service on Route 100 and Route 200 during the closure. All other bus stops in Kekaha will be available on July 2.
Play Streets Kaua‘i is possible thanks to a partnership between E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha, County of Kaua‘i, state Department of Health, Get Fit Kaua‘i, Na Lei Wili AHEC, and other community-based organizations and businesses.
Play Streets refers to the temporary closure of streets for a short time to create a safe, publicly accessible space for children and their families to engage in active play. This event aims to host fun outdoor activities for keiki and their ‘ohana to promote physical activity while opening opportunities to build social connections among communities.
Play Streets stations will include a small skate park set up and operated by the Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana. Skateboards and gear will be available for all who want to learn how to skate. A fun ninja obstacle course will be established by Alex Acopiado from Toy Fit. Pickleball play will be facilitated by Laurie Yoshida from the Pickleball Association Kaua‘i.
Additionally, a fishing clinic with throw-net action will be provided by community partners. Community volunteers will also set up a basketball court. Also, free play with bubbles, chalk, hula hoops, jump rope and more will be offered by Waimea High School cheerleaders.
“Physical activity is great for our keiki,” said Dr. Janet Berreman, leader of the state DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office. “It builds strong bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves school performance.
“It’s also great for their mental health and emotional well-being. Play Streets is particularly important in rural communities like Kaua‘i,” she said. “It provides a safe space to be active while also fostering community relationships and connections. We hope that this summer break, many families join this and other supervised spaces to be active, especially when children are not in school or involved in sports or other physical activities.”
Only Kekaha residents may register for a $10 lunch or dinner coupon by visiting tgilinks.com/3AhRzsv
