Exciting Developments: Hawaiian Paradise Park's New District Park Project

Exciting news is buzzing in the Puna District of the Big Island! Particularly for those in Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP), a long-awaited project is finally taking shape. This isn’t just a regular project; it’s a community-led initiative that could reshape the future of the area. If you’re eager to see how a community effort can spark transformative change, this is the project to follow closely!

Hawaiian Paradise Park New District Park: A Game Changer

The Hawaiian Paradise Park New District Park is generating a lot of anticipation—and for good reason. This massive 20-acre park, nestled between Kaloli Drive, 25th, and 26th Avenue, is set to serve not just HPP but the entire Puna District. The project, led by the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to promote healthy lifestyles and create a central gathering space for residents.

From local families and athletes to even our four-legged friends, this park promises to be a game changer for everyone. And it's more than just a recreational space—it's a catalyst for community engagement and growth.

A Long-Awaited Dream for HPP

This isn’t an overnight success story. The master plan for this park dates all the way back to 1997. After years of community outreach, surveys, and public input, this dream is finally becoming a reality.

For those who want a deeper dive into the full master plan, make sure to check out the link in the video description for all the detailed information!

Features and Amenities: Something for Everyone

What makes this park special? The range of features designed to cater to everyone. Here’s a sneak peek of what's to come:

• Sports Facilities: Expect baseball and softball fields, a football and soccer field (meeting high school standards), tennis courts, and the fast-growing favorite—pickleball courts. Yes, pickleball is taking over, and it’s awesome!
• Recreational Spaces: Get ready for a skate park, a community pool, and two covered playgrounds designed for keiki—one for younger kids (2-5 years old) and another for older kids.
• Multi-purpose Areas: A massive covered play court will house basketball and volleyball games, bleachers for fans, and even staff offices.
• Community Spaces: Enjoy picnic areas, a dog park for your furry companions, and a beautiful perimeter pathway perfect for walking, jogging, or just soaking in the island vibes.

These amenities are designed to level up the recreational offerings for the whole community, especially since the nearest comparable park is a significant drive away in Pahoa.

Construction Timeline and Community Input

While the buzz around this park is real, we’ll need some patience. At a recent community meeting, it was revealed that the park’s completion is likely still about four years away. Why the wait? The County is navigating budget constraints, designing, permitting, and the construction process. The estimated cost for the project is over $80 million, but federal grants and state funding are being actively pursued to bring this dream to life.

What’s great about this project is how deeply rooted it is in community input. Multiple public meetings and surveys have shaped the design, and more opportunities for feedback are on the horizon. In fact, an environmental assessment is expected soon, followed by a 30-day public comment period. Concerns like security (those pesky wild pigs) and environmental impact are top of mind, and the balance between accessibility and safety is key.

How You Can Get Involved

If this project excites you as much as it excites us, there are several ways to get involved and stay informed:

1. Sign Up: Join the project's mailing list for the latest updates (you’ll find the link in the video description).
2. Participate: Engage in upcoming community meetings to share your feedback and stay active in the conversation.
3. Spread the Word: Share this blog post and the video with friends, family, or anyone in the HPP or Puna community who’s passionate about parks, recreation, and community building.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Paradise Park District Park is set to be a game changer, bringing a vital asset to the community. While the timeline may require some patience, the impact will be worth the wait. Whether you’re excited about the pickleball courts (yes, it’s a thing now), the skate park, or the community gathering spaces, your engagement can help make this park even better.

Don’t forget to watch the embedded YouTube video, subscribe for updates, and leave your thoughts in the comments section. What feature of this new park are you most excited about? Let us know! Mahalo for being part of this journey, and let’s continue to support this transformative project for the Puna District.

Follow the project and get involved: https://ssfm.konveio.com/hpp-new-district-park