A mother’s dream becomes reality with inclusive playground

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

Construction for the Kamalani Inclusive Playground at Lydgate Park in Wailua began in November. Construction is expected to be complete in spring of 2022.

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

Matthew Cruz plays at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park in Wailua on Thursday. He has been diagnosed with autism and sometimes becomes overwhelmed at the park. A new, inclusive park designed for children with special needs is currently being constructed nearby.

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

SJ Cruz plays with his brother Caleb at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park in Wailua on Thursday.

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

Brothers SJ and Matthew Cruz play at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park in Wailua Thursday. Both are diagnosed with autism. The tight spaces on the playground can sometimes be overwhelming, they said.

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

SJ Cruz plays at Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park in Wailua on Thursday.

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

Shana Marie Cruz beams with her children, from left SJ, Amelia, Matthew and Caleb. Cruz began advocating for an inclusive playground in 2019. Construction on the playground began last month.

Laurel Smith / The Garden Island

Shana Marie Cruz helps son Matthew cross high swinging rings at Kamalani Playground in Lydgate Park in Wailua. In spring, a new, inclusive playground with stimulating activities for kids with special needs like Matthew, who is autistic, will open there.

WAILUA — Shana Marie Cruz grew up playing at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park.

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