HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211116DOPRDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 16, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
PATRICK T. PORTER, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4460
Construction begins on Kamalani Inclusive Playground project
LYDGATE – The Department of Parks and Recreation announces that construction for the
Kamalani Inclusive Playground project began this week.
“Specifically designed for keiki with developmental disabilities, this playground project is among
my administration's top priorities,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “Mahalo to the Department of
Parks and Recreation, Friends of Kamalani, the Leadership Kaua‘i Class of 2022, and everyone involved
to make this playground a reality for our children.”
The playground design addresses physical, social, emotional, sensory, communication, and
cognitive activities children with developmental disabilities encounter. Additionally, the playground will
include swinging, spinning, sliding, climbing, and balancing equipment.
“Leadership Kaua‘i’s class of 2022 is excited to support the development of a project rooted in
the community, initiated by the parents of children in search of inclusion and representation of all
abilities, and enacted by a government willing to listen,” said Shana Marie Cruz of Leadership Kaua‘i’s
class of 2022. “This project is very intimate to me and my family, being we have two special needs
children. It is inspirational and breathtaking, that from a vision, a suggestion, and an idea from meeting
with the Mayor two years ago and now construction will be taking place!”
Inspired Play LLC contracts the $400,000 project allocated from the General Fund, Capital
Improvements Projects Fund, and the Līhu‘e District Special Trust Fund for Parks & Playgrounds Fund.
The estimated completion of the playground is Spring 2022.
“Thank you to the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Mayor’s Office, Leadership Kaua‘i,
and all the volunteers and stakeholders for bringing this project to fruition for our children with special
needs,” said Tommy Noyes, General Coordinator, the Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park. “The
Friends of Kamalani supports this initiative and looks forward to the continued partnership with the
County of Kaua‘i and all stakeholders.”
Photo caption: Rendering for the Kamalani Inclusive Playground project set for completion in Spring
2022.
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