The skate park in Pahoa will officially get a new name Saturday during a 10-year anniversary celebration that will include a skating contest and live music.
McLean Eames, president of the nonprofit Friends of Pahoa Skate Park, said a plaque honoring Ginny Aste, one of the early champions of building the facility for keiki, will be installed. Afterward, it will be known as the Pahoa Ginny Aste Skatepark, he said.
The dedication will take place at 9:30 a.m. followed by a “skate jam” where kids in different age groups will be able to show off their skills, Eames said.
Bands will play adjacent to the skate park, and face painting and a bubble artist will be part of the event.
“Our intent is to build a family-friendly place,” he said.
“It’s a community event that’s based around the skate park,” Eames added.
The nonprofit formed last year after concerns that the park would be closed because of complaints, and has since been rallying support.
Eames said the long-term goal is to add a flatland course. Fundraising efforts are in the works.
He said the group has a “friends of the park” agreement to help look after the facility with the county, which has been supportive. A special use permit was granted for Saturday’s event.
Eames said the group received donations for the event from 25 community sponsors. He said he has been inspired by support from the community to keep and improve the skate park.
“I’m not a skater,” said Eames, who teaches at Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science. “But I’m building a love for it.”
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.