KILAUEA — North Shore kids will have a new 100,000-square-foot playground to call their own by mid-October. But before then, they’ll have the opportunity to help create their ideal playground at the Anaina Hou Community Park. Children at North Shore
KILAUEA — North Shore kids will have a new 100,000-square-foot playground to call their own by mid-October.
But before then, they’ll have the opportunity to help create their ideal playground at the Anaina Hou Community Park.
Children at North Shore schools are being asked to draw and describe their “dream playground” today. On Tuesday, community members are invited to a free design day celebration with pupus, music, a performance from Kumu Kehaulani and songs by the Kilauea Elementary student council.
The work will begin when community volunteers build the playground on a parcel of the 14 acres donated by Bill Porter and his wife Joan. The couple is also funding the cost of materials for the park.
“You get more out of giving than you do out of taking,” said Bill Porter, the founder of the online stock-trading company E*Trade who has lived in Princeville the past 12 years.
Bill has fond memories of days on the playground at a Catholic School in Denver, where he played marbles and ring around the rosey.
“There are two types of learning; book learning and life learning,” said Bill. “On a playground, if you get into a fight, you learn that you have to forgive and get along.”
Joan’s precious playground memories are of time spent with her daughter.
“She would play on all the climby things,” said Joan. “And when it would rain, we would take cover under the picnic tables.”
Ivory Kealani McClintock is community relations manager for the Anaina Hou Community Playground. The Kauai High School graduate said she is proud that the local project is taking off.
“It is very important to take care of the land,” said McClintock. “When I was in 11th grade, I went to Ecuador. When I returned to Kauai was when I realized how beautiful the island is. You don’t realize what you have until you go away and come back. I’m really excited to be working on this park that we hope will be a hub for our local communities and families.”
The Porters feel the same way about the new venture, including the proposed construction of a new pavilion with indoor and outdoor theaters. Construction may start in the fall of 2015.
“I can’t wait to see the mayor speaking at the outdoor pavilion, and rock concerts and movies in the indoor theater. There will even be conference rooms and a certified kitchen,” said Bill. “It will be expensive, but well worth it.”
While the Porters will be funding the materials and land, community volunteers will be providing the labor.
“I look forward to walking our dog around the park and seeing people enjoying it,” said Bill.
The design day celebration for the playground is scheduled 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kauai Mini Golf Course, 5-2753 Kuhio Highway 101, Kilauea.
