HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-17CountyopensnewskateparkinLihue
THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
PATRICK T. PORTER, DIRECTOR
Tel (808) 241-4460
Fax (808) 241-5126
News Release
For Immediate Release: October 19, 2020
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
KA‘ĀINA S. HULL, DIRECTOR
Tel (808) 241-4050
Fax (808) 241-6699
County opens new skatepark in Līhu‘e
LĪHU‘E – County officials have announced the opening of a new skatepark at the Līhu‘e
Civic Center.
Located in front of the county’s recently painted Hōlua mural on the east-facing wall of
the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Pi‘ikoi Building, the skatepark was installed in early October through
efforts coordinated by the county and community volunteers.
“This skatepark has brought new life and purpose to this area,” said Mayor Derek S.K.
Kawakami. “It provides a safe space for our youth, and youth at heart. Our keiki should not be
forced to skate in dark, back alleys because they have nowhere else to go. This skatepark was
a small, creative project that has already made a huge impact in our community. Thank you to
our planning and parks departments, and the dedicated volunteers who gave up their time and
resources to make this project possible.”
Through the Līhu‘e Town Core Mobility and Revitalization project, funded by the
Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, the county was
able to recently renovate the Līhu‘e Civic Center parking lot, but there were no final plans to
change the former Big Save space in the Pi‘ikoi Building. Officials decided to build a temporary
“pop-up” skatepark in order to utilize the space now, and until a long-term use of the space is
considered.
The cost of the skatepark project totaled approximately $9,000, which was funded
through a quick-build grant from the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) with a
purpose to enhance public spaces in ways that will encourage physical activity. The grant funds
projects that can be quickly implemented in months, instead of years, and that can help the
community envision more permanent, long-term solutions.
“This was a great experience to work with our county team, local artists, and dedicated
community volunteers to re-imagine this underused space,” said county Transportation Planner
Lee Steinmetz. “With these quick-build funds from the Department of Health, we are learning
how to just ‘try it’ with minimal investment, see how it works, assess community support, and
then decide whether to invest in more permanent facilities.”
Additionally, the Hōlua mural, which was painted by artists Seth Womble and Samuel
Schryver in August, was envisioned to complement the incoming skatepark. The theme of the
mural links together the historic nature of the Līhu‘e town core, traditional Hawaiian sport, and
the youthful exuberance of a skatepark.
Skatepark users are advised to follow all safety measures as posted. For more
information regarding county park rules, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation
at 241-4460 or parks@kauai.gov.
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