Blessing Hosted For Laukona Park Improvements

The county Department of Parks and Recreation hosted a grand opening and blessing Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Laukona Park in Hanamā‘ulu to mark an improvement project at the park.

“Mahalo to the Department of Parks and Recreation, all stakeholders involved and the Kaua‘i Junior Youth Squad for having the foresight and initiative to make this project come to reality,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a press release. “Back in 2019, this youth group brought their ideas to our administration and conducted door-to-door outreach in Hanamā‘ulu so others could share ideas to improve the park.”

The improvements include new walkways and parking stalls that are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, a playground, a pavilion with benches and tables, a bike rack, repairs and repainting of a basketball court, a seating area along the basketball court and seating throughout the park.

“The park improvements represent the vision of these youth, the input of the neighborhood residents and collaboration with our administration,” Kawakami added in the press release. “This is an achievement of neighbors and families, nonprofits and community coalitions, faith-based groups and government all working together.”

The $750,000 project was administered through a community development block grant by the county Housing Agency. Construction began in January and was completed in August.