Photo by Laurel Smith / The Garden Island
Think about our parents, our kupuna and most importantly, our keiki, and take a part by donating to this cause and you will be a part of bringing our FIRST "ALL INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND" to Kauai. We will be one step closer in the continuous challenge for equity and inclusivity for all.
Rendering of the all inclusive playground by the County of Kaua'i.
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Early November 2021, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced that construction for the Kamalani Inclusive Playground. This is the first playground on Kauai that is specifically designed for keiki with developmental disabilities. The playground design addresses physical, social, emotional, sensory, communication, and cognitive skills. Additionally, the playground will include swinging, spinning, sliding, climbing, and balancing equipment.
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The estimated completion of the playground is Spring 2022. Leadership Kaua‘i’s class of 2022 is excited to support the development of a project rooted in the community, initiated by the parents of children in search of inclusion and representation of all abilities, and enacted by a government willing to listen. Inspired Play LLC contracts the $400,000 project allocated from the General Fund, Capital Improvements Projects Fund, and the Līhu‘e District Special Trust Fund for Parks & Playgrounds Fund.
Leadership Kaua‘i’s class of 2022 are seeking funds to support the additional and collateral costs that incurred after the initial bid in order to complete and ensure that the park is properly maintained.
Leadership Kaua‘i’s class of 2022 are seeking funds to support the additional and collateral costs that incurred after the initial bid in order to complete and ensure that the park is properly maintained.
The children of Kaua’i will appreciate any monetary contribution. Online Donations can be done using the form below. We also accept cash or check. Please make checks payable to “Leadership Kauai” memo - “Inclusive Playground Donation”.
In the Press...
Kamalani Inclusive Playground construction begins
LYDGATE — Construction on the county’s new Kamalani Inclusive Playground began this week, according to the county Department of Parks and Recreation. The playground is designed for keiki with developmental disabilities, Mayor Derek Kawakami said. “This playground project is among my administration’s top priorities,” Kawakami said in a release. “Mahalo to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Friends of Kamalani, the Leadership Kaua‘i Class of 2022, and everyone involved to make this playground a reality for our children.” The playground’s design addresses physical, social, emotional, sensory, communication and cognitive activities children with developmental disabilities encounter. The playground will also include swinging, spinning, sliding, climbing, and balancing equipment. “Leadership Kaua‘i’s class of 2022 is excited to support the development of a project rooted in the community, initiated by the parents of children in search of inclusion and representation of all abilities, and enacted by a government willing to listen,” said Shana Marie Cruz of Leadership Kaua‘i’s class of 2022. “This project is very intimate to me and my family, being we have two special needs children. It is inspirational and breathtaking, that from a vision, a suggestion, and an idea from meeting with the Mayor two years ago and now construction will be taking place!” READ MORE |
A mother’s dream becomes reality with inclusive playgroundBy Laurel Smith The Garden Island | Monday, December 13, 2021, 12:05 a.m.
WAILUA — Shana Marie Cruz grew up playing at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park.
It hasn’t changed much since she was a kid. It’s still a maze of slides, wooden bridges and wonder, with twists and turns and lots of places for kids to run, climb and hide... “(The park) is sensory overload,” Cruz said. “It’s too much, and my kids don’t have enough space.” Two of Cruz’s four children are diagnosed with autism. One of them particularly struggles with being in tight spaces with other kids... READ MORE 
Photo By Laurel Smith / The Garden Island
Matthew Cruz plays at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park in Wailua on Thursday. He has been diagnosed with autism and sometimes becomes overwhelmed at the park. A new, inclusive park designed for children with special needs is currently being constructed nearby. 
Laurel Smith / The Garden Island Shana Marie Cruz beams with her children, from left SJ, Amelia, Matthew and Caleb. Cruz began advocating for an inclusive playground in 2019. Construction on the playground began last month. |