M a u i N e w s May 17, 2004

Not Quite Finished

By Melissa Tanji, Staff Writer

HAIKU - The Kalakupua Playground project was behind schedule on Sunday afternoon, causing project organizers to postpone opening the much-anticipated playground

River Sussman, one of two general project coordinators, said a lower-than-expected volunteer turnout slowed progress on what was planned as a six-day "barn-raising" project to build the playground at 4th Marine Division Park in Haiku by Sunday.

Volunteers will continue to work through the week to try to finish the work.

"I'm a little bit disappointed," Sussman said.

About 100 volunteers showed up to work on Sunday, but the project needed 150 volunteers on Sunday and every day to have everything ready for children to play as scheduled, she said.

"I think people are just busy and don't make it a priority," she said under a steady mist of rain as diehard volunteers sawed away and slogged through the mud.

Volunteer work crews began their marathon building session on Tuesday, as holes were dug for support pillars on what was once a grassy field.

Although there was a low volunteer turnout, the $200,000 project has come a long way since Tuesday, volunteers said.

Some slides were in place, castle towers were up, and the skeleton of a treehouse was almost done.

Sussman said the volunteers were scheduled to work as late as 7 p.m. on Sunday

She said she didn't think the weather hampered the turnout, nor did it dampen the spirits of the volunteers.

"It's great," said volunteer Leanne Magliba. "I'm having so much fun."

Magliba, who volunteered for two days, said she didn't mind the rain, saying that, after all, "it's Haiku."

The 22-year-old Wailuku resident was busy hauling scrap wood from the work site, keeping the area clean and safe for the other workers.

Thomas Glesne, who had volunteered for four days straight, was busy working on the treehouse.

"It's going to look pretty cool," he said while taking a break.

The 39-year-old Haiku resident said he won't mind baby-sitting his friend's children when the playground is completed, but he wished the playground could accommodate him. It's not designed for adults.

On Wednesday, artwork will be added to the park, including the 473 tiles made by school students, said Sussman.

A picket fence still needs to be completed and handrails for the tall towers still need to be installed before children will be allowed to play on the structure, she said.

All the work on the playground was not expected to be completed on Sunday, even if everything went as planned.

The new estimated completion date for the playground and its unveiling will be in less than two weeks, Sussman said. A public notice will announce the playground's opening.

Landscaping will take a while longer with other details completed down the line, Sussman said.

But when it's done, people such as Laf Young, a 62-year-old Haiku resident, will look at the playground and smile.

The contractor from Laf Young & Associates will be able to say: "All my kids played here. My grandchildren play here."

The project remains about $70,000 short of its fund-raising goal. Those who wish to help or volunteer should call 573-8516, or visit the playground's Web site at www.mauiplayground.org.

Back to top