WAIMEA — Westside skaters have something to look forward to next year.
The Kaua‘i Planning Department is planning to set up a temporary ramp and halfpipe at the Waimea Athletic Field. The state Department of Health is expected to approve the project in the coming days.
The set-up will be paid for by a $30,000 grant from the DOH’s Quick Build demonstration-project program, which channels funds to municipalities to make temporary additions to infrastructure, to gauge the feasibility and need for more-permanent installations.
“Some examples of this are using paint to put in temporary bicycle lanes or to redirect traffic in manners that are much-more accommodating to multimodal or pedestrian or bicycle activities,” Planning Director Ka‘aina Hull told the Kaua‘i County Council, which approved the receipt and expenditure of the grant funds last week.
Hull said the Planning Department decided to spend the $30,000 on a short-term ramp and halfpipe following “the voluminous amount of testimony in the West Kaua‘i Community Plan” requesting a Westside skate facility. A similar site already exists in Hanapepe Park, behind the Kaua‘i Fire Department Hanapepe station.
Once the DOH gives its final approval, the Planning Department will order the wooden ramp and halfpipe before collaborating with the county’s Department of Parks &Recreation and nonprofit Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana during the construction and placement phases.
Hull anticipates the test skatepark to open to the public by the summer of 2022 and remain usable for up to one year. During that time, the Planning Department will monitor the site to assess user demand and potential impacts on the surrounding area.
“Should it be determined that the site is opportune for a permanent facility, further outreach to the community would be necessary to determine design and siting,” Hull told The Garden Island when asked if locals can expect a long-term skatepark in their future. “We would also utilize that time to identify fund sources.”
County Councilmember Luke Evslin aired his support of the Planning Department initiative, following Hull’s presentation before the council.
“I love these Quick Build projects,” he said. “I think it’s a good idea and a great grant opportunity. Good to see you folks going in this direction.”
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Scott Yunker, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or syunker@thegardenisland.com.
