An environmental assessment is underway for the site of the proposed Ocean View Skatepark.
The nonprofit Ocean View Skatepark Association has for the past few years been fundraising and saving money for the project, which would be located on a portion of Kahuku Park.
“(The EA) was a major hurdle to overcome, but it is paid for and in progress,” said Laura Roberts, treasurer and organizer with OVSA. “After the assessment, the biggest hurdle left is funding and getting money fundraised. We’re applying for large grants right now and definitely need more manpower in any capacity.”
Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Michelle Hiraishi is overseeing all of Hawaii County’s skate parks and said the final EA for the Ocean View project is due in spring 2024.
“The Planning Department reached out on Monday for an update, and what we know is that the EA is in process,” Hiraishi said.
“Once it’s finished, we’ll start the next process, which is working with the community on what they want in the park, and specifically, what components they want implemented in the skate park.”
According to Roberts, the land being assessed is large enough for a skate park and other elements such as a walking path, community garden and disc golf area.
“This park will be for more than just skaters. We want to make it a community park since it is such a large space,” Roberts said.
“We want to incorporate more for everyone, with places to picnic and areas for other recreation.”
Once the EA is complete, the county will put the project out for bid for private engineering and design firms such as Bow Engineering and Grindline, which are working on the Hilo Skate Park.
“The biggest update for this project is that the EA is in progress, which is huge, because we really want to do something there,” Hiraishi said. “Around summer 2024, we should be able to plan a first community input meeting for the design of the park.”
While the county will pay for portions of the park like comfort stations, a parking lot and road improvements, it will be up to the community to generate funds to actually build the skate park.
Roberts is looking for volunteers open to running fundraisers, finding donors and helping with grant writing.
“We have about $20,000 from grassroots fundraising by a handful of people and about $10,000 from a grant from the county in a savings account,” Roberts said. “One way we can bring costs down is by getting donations from companies willing to donate things like concrete, rebar and other materials as we get closer to the build.”
OVSA will have a better idea of exactly how much money needs to be raised after a design is finalized.
The future Ocean View Skatepark has received written support from state Rep. Jeanne Kapela and Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina. Mayor Mitch Roth has met with OVSA in person and ultimately found the funds for the EA.
According to Roberts, youth make up over 50% of the population of Ocean View, so getting a skate park built in the community is a top priority.
“Being so isolated is a huge reason why this skate park is so important, because we don’t have many safe places for youth to hang out,” Roberts said. “There is a huge portion of the population living under the poverty line, too, so this would give many people a place for free recreation.”
In the next year, OVSA is going to continue fundraising while working with the county to plan community meetings and keeping everyone informed on where the project stands.
“It is great to see that we are making progress after a lot of years of striving, but I want to stress the need for volunteers and support from local businesses,” Roberts said.
“Anyone willing to spend time or money to help get this done will be recognized.”
Roberts, who also is a fiber artist, sells T-shirts and hats at Kahuku Gift and Garden in Ocean View, with all proceeds going directly to the savings account for the skate park.
Those interested in donating from afar can do so by sending a check to the Ocean View Skatepark Association at P.O. Box 377522 Ocean View, HI 96737.
For more information about OVSA, or to volunteer or donate online, visit oceanviewskatepark.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
