Anuenue Playground project progresses, major funding still needed

A new sign hung on May 15 at Anuenue Park may be an indication that momentum is building for the volunteer-led effort aimed at raising funds to rescue and rebuild the playground there.

Mandatory safety surfacing is now required by county law for playgrounds. Friends of Anuenue Park (FOAP), a group of community members organized to maintain the area, has until August to raise $550,000 that will allow construction to commence this fall — the deadline needed to order materials to be shipped to Waimea. If needed funds are not raised by late summer, the building date will be delayed until next spring.

FOAP has received $25,000 in private donations since fundraising began in February, in addition to $15,000 the county granted earlier this year that is earmarked towards the purchase of playground equipment for the community-led, community-built effort.

“We are looking for corporate sponsorship now,” Missien said.” The Friends of Anuenue Playground are committed to the goal of saving our playground by bringing it up to current standards of safety, wellness and accessibility.”

To kicks-start the fundraising campaign, posters were put up earlier this month at businesses and schools around Waimea, and other fundraising efforts are underway.

“FOAP volunteers are submitting a grant request for the November giving cycle of the Campbell Family Foundation for $150,000,” said Vicki Missien, the group’s their public relations coordinator. “They are very encouraging of their support. We are reviewing the application requirements and will start working on some drafts.”

Other support is coming from local residents who have offered to host fundraising dinner events in their homes, and several chefs are willing to offer their services for such an evening to continue to help spread community awareness of the project.

A rendering of the finalized design plan can be found at www.anuenueplayground.org. Updates on the project are posted regularly on the Anuenue Playground FaceBook page.

To support FOAP’s efforts to save Anuenue Playground, tax deductible donations can be made through Friends of the Future by calling 885-8336 or online at http://www.fofhawaii.org/donate.html.