“Sports are deeply woven into the fabric of our island community, and when we can enhance our facilities and return them to the public, it’s a victory for everyone.”
WAIPAHU, Hawaii (KHON2) — After about 21 months of renovations and nearly $4.2 million later, Waipahu’s Hans L’Orange Neighborhood Park has reopened to the public.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Councilmember Augie Tulba joined the community with a blessing and ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the event.
The pitch also marked the beginning of the Oahu Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Jr. Little League game between teams New Era and Young Gunz.
“Sports are deeply woven into the fabric of our island community, and when we can enhance our facilities and return them to the public, it’s a victory for everyone,” expressed Blangiardi. “This park and baseball field are not only integral to Waipahū and home to the HPU Sharks, but they also provide invaluable opportunities for our local Little League teams.”
The park closed in January 2023 to complete the following improvements:
Adding 75 parking stalls
Renovating comfort station
Improving the field
Upgrading electrical and lighting components
Repairing the dugouts & bleachers
Installing a new irrigation system
Improving draining systems
Planting 27 trees and landscaping
Improvements were inspired by input from community members with the Hans L’Orange Master Plan. Officials said the project cost $294,000 for design and $3.9 million for construction.
A Park Beautification Day will be held on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to further bring the community together.
“My office has been partnering with businesses, nonprofits and churches through an initiative called ‘Win Back Waipahū.’ We hope that through this effort, the community will join together to keep our district, including our parks, activated, clean, and safe for everyone,” said Tulba.
Renovations are part of the “Win Back Waipahu” initiative that helps address social issues to enhance the well-being of residents and encourages active participation.
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“We appreciate the patience of the community and baseball players as this park and its facilities were closed for approximately 20 months for the improvements,” said the City and County of Honolulu in a statement.