Waimanalo vision becoming reality
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
Five years ago the community decided it wanted to focus on making Waimanalo better for children by giving them places for activities.
This week much of that vision will be realized as $2 million in city projects — largely improvements at Waimanalo District Park and Waimanalo Beach Park carried out via the vision team process — are blessed and dedicated in ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively on Saturday.
The projects represent almost five years of planning and three years of financing from the city's vision team process, in which communities plan the projects they think will enhance their lifestyle. Waimanalo has spent almost all of its vision allocation on park improvements.
"This is for our children, because with these facilities our children will have tools to develop themselves," said Bob Lastimosa, a Waimanalo Neighborhood Board member. "Sports is a big part of growing up. When you play you learn how to make the right decisions."
At Waimanalo District Park the city has built a new open pavilion and multi-sports complex for about $1.2 million. Bathrooms in the park's multi-purpose building were renovated.
The Waimanalo Beach Park projects were all renovations including the comfort station, arts and crafts room, new roof for the pavilion and renovated kitchen, also about $1.2 million.
Mabel Ann Spencer was the champion for the projects, responsible for their development and seeing them through to the end. She helped develop the All Park Plan, also a vision project, that outlines future park plans in Waimanalo.
"Mabel Ann has had a great deal of vision in the sense that she knew what people needed for Waimanalo, and she kept pushing and pushing until it happened," said Shannon Wood, a community activist.
Spencer said many of the facilities had become an embarrassment, with inoperable windows, toilets that wouldn't flush and uncovered dressing areas in the restrooms.
She said she was grateful for the vision process because she didn't think any of the renovations would have happened without it. For years the community had asked for improvements, but nothing was done, she said.
"I'm thankful the mayor had given us that opportunity," she said. "Without that vision I don't think we would have been able to get the time of day from anybody."
Waimanalo has several more park projects under way including a canoe halau, improvements to playing fields, upgrades at Kaiona Beach Park and parking lot improvements at Makapu'u Beach Park, Spencer said.
Carol Costa, city spokeswoman, said Mayor Jeremy Harris has been impressed with the community and its tireless effort in planning for greater use of the facilities for sports/recreation, culture and arts and community events.
"Waimanalo is a very cohesive community that revolves around the family, and these projects will enhance the lives of young and old," she said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
