O‘AHU – Community support has given an old playground new life, helping to turn a shameful act of vandalism into an amazing display of teamwork and altruism in Wahiawā.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Inspired Play Hawai‘i, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Councilmember Matt Weyer, and a wide variety of volunteer are pleased to announce a new playground is now open for keiki enjoyment at George F. Wright Wahiawā District Park.
“I want to thank all of those responsible for the amount of quick, cohesive work to help right this wrong, it is truly inspiring,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “It is a testament to the power and resiliency of our community, and to how much we can accomplish together when we focus on the strong and not the wrong. While the physical damage from this senseless arsonist has been reversed, we are committed to serving justice and sending a message that this kind of attack on our keiki will not be tolerated. We have turned their negative actions into a positive, symbolizing the resolve and dedication of Central O‘ahu and our island community.”
“This new playground stands as a symbol of Wahiawā’s strength and aloha,” said Councilmember Matt Weyer. “What began as a heartbreaking act of vandalism was transformed into an example of community and teamwork. From nonprofits and City departments to local businesses and volunteers, I’m proud of how quick the community came together to bring new life to George F. Wright Wahiawā District Park. This is what aloha in action looks like. At the City Council, we’re committed to investing in our parks and public facilities so the community can enjoy these spaces. I will continue to work closely with the Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure places like this park get the attention and resources it deserves.”
Following the destruction of the park’s newly-renovated playground on May 1 at the hands of an arsonist, the City immediately began working to remove and rebuild the destroyed apparatus. Coordinating with Inspired Play Hawai‘i, Goals Hawai‘i, Hunt Companies, and Nylawn, a playground set to be scrapped from Hōkūlani Community Center was repurposed and donated to the park. With an estimated cost savings of $52,500 to taxpayers, and amazing assistance from a variety of volunteers, the playground was quickly relocated and the resilient surfacing repaired.
“We believe that every child deserves a safe place to play, make friends, and just get to be a kid – no matter the circumstances. That’s why this rebuild mattered,” said Danielle Sagum of Inspired Play Hawai‘i. “It wasn’t just about replacing equipment – it was about showing up for our keiki and our community, and being an example that love is a verb and amazing things can be accomplished when we come together. Play is how children heal, connect, and grow – and acting swiftly sent a powerful message: that we care.”
A blessing this afternoon officially opened the renovated playground for the enjoyment of O‘ahu’s keiki and families, clearing the air for what is hoped to be the continued use of this playground for decades to come. Mahalo for the patience of the community, and their support, while we worked to offset the damage from this dubious act of arson. While the donation of the playground and labor greatly assisted with the rebuilding effort, the cost of repairing the resilient surfacing (approximately $140,000) was absorbed by DPR. Still, numerous organizations and local families provided support in many ways, helping to rebuild the playground, revitalize the park, and support the volunteers. They include:
- Wahiawā Botanical Gardens
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Wahiawā Warriors Basketball Club
- Papa John’s
- Teaspresso
- Barrio Café
- Jet Trucking
The Honolulu Police Department continues to investigate this horrendous crime against the vibrant community of Wahiawā. We thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and support as we carefully take all the necessary steps to apprehend the responsible parties and hold them accountable. Your commitment to the welfare and joy of your keiki exemplifies the community’s strength and unity and should be commended. As always, if anyone has any additional information that they feel will assist HPD in this investigation, please call Crimestoppers at (808) 955-8300.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the scheduled event. Without sufficient advanced notice, it may not be possible to fulfill requests.
—PAU—
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