Following an act of arson this year, the community banded together to rebuild a Wahiawā playground.
Hunt Companies and InspiredPlay Hawai‘i were among a handful of companies and numerous community members who participated in the refurbishment project at Wahiawā District Park. The organizations supported the project through donations and volunteer efforts.
The initial playground project — which was finished mid-March and cost $121,000 — was destroyed by arson May 1 shortly after its completion. Just weeks later the community banded together and less than two months after the shocking vandalism the renovated playground was finished.
In a press release, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the collaborative efforts were “… a testament to the power and resiliency of our community, and to how much we can accomplish together when we focus on the strong and not the wrong.”
A used playset from Hōkūlani Community Center — initially intended to be discarded — was donated by Hunt Companies. Katie Stephens, development manager for Hunt Military Communities, commented, “when we learned about the fire at Wahiawā District Park, we saw an opportunity to stand with our neighbors by donating salvaged playground equipment from Hōkūlani. … It’s our honor to contribute to a brighter, more joyful future for Wahiawā’s families.”
The donated equipment was removed and repurposed for use in Wahiawā by InspiredPlay, in partnership with Goals Hawai‘i and Nylawn. The parts were reconfigured into a “new” structure saving taxpayers an estimated $52,500. Renovations also included restoration of the playground’s resilient surfacing, which was contracted out to InspiredPlay.
Over 80 volunteers assisted in the playground rebuild, also clearing the area of trash and painting over graffiti throughout the park’s structures.
Danielle Sagum of InspiredPlay Hawai‘i said, “this project was deeply personal. It reflects our mission to create safe, welcoming spaces where keiki can laugh, grow and connect — especially in times of hardship. We wanted this effort to send a clear message: that love is stronger than hate, and that community can rise above adversity. It was truly an honor to contribute to something so meaningful, and we’re proud to have helped bring joy back to Wahiawā.”
