RICHARDSON OCEAN PARK RENOVATIONS CELEBRATED WITH A BLESSING

RICHARDSON OCEAN PARK RENOVATIONS CELEBRATED WITH A BLESSING

Mayor Roth and County Officials Came Together to Unveil Bishop Museum Displays at Upgraded Facility

Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth, the Department of Parks & Recreation, and community members celebrated the completion of more than $5 million worth of renovations at Richardson Ocean Park during a blessing ceremony on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Enhancements to the park in Keaukaha include the construction of new accessible walkways, parking areas, showers, upgraded comfort stations, long-needed repairs to the buildings, electrical upgrades, and more. The project’s primary focus was to enhance accessibility through the park in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act while preserving the character of the historic former Richardson residence—now known as the Richardson Ocean Center—and respecting the community’s longstanding use of this popular resource.

The major renovations to the Richardson Ocean Center will enhance the unique recreation and education programs hosted there, which are focused on teaching youth ‘ike kai, or ocean knowledge, such as ocean awareness and safety, marine science, sailing and paddling.

“We are privileged to steward this special place, where many of our residents continue to create lasting memories,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “This project is special because it offers opportunities for everyone to enjoy this space while enhancing existing infrastructure to deepen engagement with the ocean, our culture, and each other. We can only hope this project will continue to bring people together and create opportunities for our keiki to anchor themselves and their families here for generations to come.”

The Richardson Ocean Park upgrade is one of several Department of Parks & Recreation construction projects underway or recently completed that ensure the parks meet ADA requirements and enhance accessibility.

“The Department of Parks & Recreation is proud to be making tremendous progress on our longstanding effort to improve access at our park facilities for all residents and visitors,” said Department of Parks & Recreation Director, Maurice Messina. “Recreation resources are critical for health and well-being and should be available to everyone. We are thrilled to share the completion of the Richardson Ocean Park project with the community.”

Artifacts and information displays from The Bishop Museum were unveiled at the Richardson Ocean Center during Tuesday’s event. The Bishop Museum has loaned several items to the Department of Parks & Recreation that are focused on Hawaiian ocean traditions such as surfing, sailing, and fishing.

Recreation Specialist Kalani Kahalioumi, who manages the County’s programs at the Richardson Ocean Center, said, “This is a special day for the community. Our vision is for Richardson Ocean Park and the Richardson Ocean Center to be places where many organizations and individuals can come together and create amazing experiences for our community that are all connected to the ocean.”