The goal was to have it open for the kids this summer..but the city says there are some major problems that still need to be addressed.
As development in West Oahu moves forward at a rapid rate. Residents say parks and recreational areas are lagging behind.
Ewa Mahiko District Park is rich with history.
It used to be the old sugar mill site and later became known as the home field to the 2005 Little League World Champions.
But it’s hard to tell now- as it sits empty.
"Right now if you go to Asing park or even the community park, there’s no room. We jam a lot of kids, that’s the frustration for us because there’s nowhere to go," says Kurt Fevella, Ewa Neighborhood Board Member.
That’s why the city in 2009 broke ground on an $8.3 million project for construction of a new indoor gym facility with basketball court, multi purpose rooms, tennis courts, and a new parking lot.
Originally it was supposed to be completed by the end of 2011, then promised to be open by this summer.
"I’m very shocked. It should be open by now for the kids in the community," says Henry Waiau, whose home was right near the construction site.
But the city says after doing the pre-final inspection there were corrections that needed to be made.
For example, the city says the contractor rerouted the sprinkler system under the tennis courts stifling the water pressure so there’s not enough for this baseball field.
The contractors also have to make changes to the basketball backboards and fix a ramp that is not ADA compliant before the city will sign off on the job.
"I think that is a waste of taxpayers money, highly, it’s a waste of money," says Waiau.
More than the money for many its the time that the kids have to wait.
"I got kids too,” says Dundun Blu, Ewa Resident. “Somewhere to bring the kids and get them off the streets too,"
"Please do whatever means possible to get it done the frustration is high in the community they just want everyone to work together and make this a priority," says Fevella.
The city says there is also a big developer with plans to build a new regional park in the Ocean Pointe community, without using any taxpayer money.
That is scheduled to break ground in about a month.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
