A playground made from recycled plastic and sustainable materials
Hawaii Volcanic Water, a water company, has built a new playground at the Anaina Hou Community Park in Kilauea on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
The eco-playground is built almost entirely from recycled plastic and locally sourced non-toxic natural building materials. The new playground takes keiki (children) and adult explorers on a journey through the creation and history of the Hawaiian Islands.
As seen in the above photo in the centre of the playground, is an erupting volcano climbing structure. The playground also offers users the chance to imagine navigating the Pacific Ocean with the stars as their guide like the original Polynesian settlers did on a double-hulled Hawaiian ocean sailing canoe. In addition, there is an extensive multi-level ahupua‘a (mountain-to-ocean land area) themed structure ready for adventure. There are also sugarcane era trains, and many other activities for young and old to explore together.
Hawaii Volcanic Water was founded by husband and wife Jason and Channon Donovan in 2014. “The project was inspired by our son Finn when he was five years young while we were playing at a science themed eco-playground in South Florida. We had so much fun it was hard to leave, so Finn and I decided we needed to build an eco-learning playground where we live on Kauai,” explains Jason. Continuing he added, “Huge mahalos to Joan and Bill Porter for accepting our proposal and for donating the land, initial funding, and wonderful heart and soul to make this happen for everyone who lives on or visits Kauai.”
Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami remarked “I would like to thank the Donovans for their generous contribution and for putting our environment and children before profits. As a surfer, I truly appreciate their mission to reduce single-use plastic bottles. I also commend the Porters for providing a gathering place for our community, as Anaina Hou Community park is a true gem for all.”
The playground is located within the Anaina Hou Community Park at 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy. in Kilauea.
