Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation on July 29 welcomed the community back to Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo with a reopening celebration and blessing ceremony marking the completion of major upgrades 2 years in the making.

Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda — who grew up on a ranch in the Waiākea Uka community — speaks July 29, 2025, during the reopening celebration and blessing ceremony for the newly improved Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)

“Waiākea Uka Park has long been a cornerstone of our community,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda — who grew up on a ranch in the Waiākea Uka community — as quoted in a county release following the day’s festivities. “I am so humbled and honored to be here celebrating these improvements that I know will serve many more generations to come.”

The reopening celebration featured a blessing, arts and crafts activities, food and refreshments, a volleyball clinic and a baseball scrimmage between the Waiākea Uka Tigers and Boys & Girls Club Hilo.

Main elements of the about $12 million park improvement project were the construction of a new 4,400-square-foot community center, greatly increased on-site parking, a walking path and a realigned ballfield with a new concession building, comfort station, dugouts and scorekeeper’s booth.

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The new community center — with a capacity of about 180 people — is fully equipped with folding tables and chairs to support a variety of uses.

It will be an important facility for senior and keiki programs, community meetings and various public gatherings.

It also stands ready to serve the public during certain natural disaster situations, when needed.

The new community center at Waiākea Uka Park stands ready to serve the community for generations to come. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)

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Improvements were also made at the Stanley Costales Waiākea Uka Gym, including interior and exterior painting, refinishing of the court’s surface and other needed repairs.

The children’s playground was fenced in for safety, and playground safety surfacing was rehabilitated.

Contact the Waiākea Uka Park recreation office at 808-959-9474 to ask about reserving the park’s facilities.

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Construction and improvements began in May 2023.

The project was funded with $5.4 million from Hawai‘i County and $6.6 million from the state.

  • Keiki enjoy games July 29, 2025, during the reopening celebration for Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)

  • Big Island state Rep. Sue Lee Loy, who represents Hilo at the state Capitol in Honolulu, speaks during the July 29, 2025, reopening and blessing ceremony for Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)

  • The reopening celebration July 29, 2025, for Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo featured a baseball scrimmage between the Waiākea Uka Tigers and Boys & Girls Club Hilo played on the park’s newly realigned ballfield. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)

  • Hawai‘i County officials and others get ready to cut the maile lei July 29, 2025, to officially reopen Waiākea Uka Park and its new community center in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)