Plans for new Kauaʻi skateparks move forward; input sought at weekend meetings

New skateparks are coming to the Kaua‘i communities of Hanapēpē and Nāwilili, and at two public meetings this weekend island residents can learn about the plans and provide ideas about the projects.

Kaua‘i County, in conjunction with the nonprofit organization Kaua‘i Skate Ohana, has partnered with Oregon-based contractor Dreamland Skateparks to build the facilities.

“Skateparks can be transformative asset to a community in a very unique way,” said Mark Cooper, a founder of Kaua‘i Skate Ohana. “Skateboarding is enjoyed by all ages and is a melting pot of every cultural and social background.”

Cooper and his colleagues have spent years teaching Kaua‘i children and teenagers, including at-risk youth, how to skateboard. He sees skateparks as sanctuaries where new skateboarders can build confidence, express creativity and develop a sense of belonging.

The Garden Isle is already home to some skateboard infrastructure, including a bustling skatepark in Kapa‘a and a smaller site in Līhu‘e. The county’s mayor, Derek Kawakami, is a well-known skateboarder and advocate for the pastime.

“The skatepark is where [youth] interact and develop friendships with other skaters and are able to be influenced positively,” Cooper said. “There are many stories and examples of this from the Kapa‘a park over the past four years.”

Dreamland Skateparks is a family-owned business that has constructed public and private facilities throughout the world. Owners Mark “Red” Scott and his wife Danyel are longtime visitors to Kaua‘i, and are eager to provide the island with a world-class skatepark, according to Cooper.

The meetings are scheduled at Hanapēpē Town Park at 5 p.m. Saturday and at Nāwiliwili Beach Park at 2 p.m. Sunday. Cooper wants county officials to provide updates regarding construction timelines, permit statuses and budgets.

“Building skate parks means investing in the community’s well-being, fostering a culture of inclusivity, growth and opportunity for all,” Cooper said.

For more information about this weekend’s public skatepark information meetings, visit the Kaua‘i Now Community Calendar here.