The Volcano community is taking steps to repair and reopen Hawaii County’s only wooden skate park.
Volunteers from the area have been working closely with the county to repair the ramps and skate fixtures at the skate park, which is located next to Cooper Center.
The skate park has been closed for more than two years because of safety concerns regarding the condition of the wooden ramps that were built more than 20 years ago.
Evanitta Paiva became involved in fixing the skate park after realizing it has been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The activities are very limited in Volcano, so when there was talk of completely shutting down the park, I wanted to find a solution,” Paiva said. “The community came together to start the nonprofit, Volcano Skatepark Organization, so we could raise funds and fix the park on a volunteer basis.”
Paiva, Daron Key and Nalu Ledbetter have been representing the Volcano Skatepark Organization since its formation in April to work directly with the county.
After forming a Friends of the Park agreement with the county Department of Parks and Recreation, VSO gained the ability to repair the park to make it usable and clean up around the area as the need arises.
County Council members Maile David and Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder have allocated contingency funds to be used to purchase materials for the repairs.
“We met with a licensed contractor and have written up a material list for the first phase of repairs,” Paiva said. “Once those materials are approved and purchased, volunteers can start working on the skate park.”
VSO participated in The Experience Volcano Festival in July and used their own personal funds to buy skateboards, prizes, stickers and a bunch of merchandise from Oasis Skate Shop to gain community support for the skate park.
“Skate parks are for everyone, but I specifically got into this for the kids. It was amazing to see all the parents bring their keiki out to support us,” Paiva said. “We would love to get more volunteers and more donations, specifically paint and materials.”
While VSO waits for the approval for materials, volunteers have been cleaning up around the park and planning the repairs.
Those interested in getting involved and learning more can reach VSO by email at volcanoskateparkorganization@gmail.com and on Instagram at @volcanoskateparkorganization.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com