Help the Parks Department improve recreational options
Sports are a big part of life in West Maui, so it’s good news that the county Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) plans to make structural and organizational changes to provide higher quality recreational facilities and opportunities for youth, individuals with special needs, senior citizens and adults in Maui County.
According to the county, the department recognizes that community members of all ages and lifestyles utilize its facilities, and the public will directly benefit from these significant improvements.
The Parks Department is currently restructuring its permitting process and facility maintenance program. And, in an effort to develop stronger working relationships, DPR has already begun to meet with the organizations and individuals that utilize Parks’ facilities to run non-exclusive youth programs on a regular basis.
Along with high school athletic directors, these meetings have included officials from various youth sports organizations.
To share its proposed permitting and scheduling improvements for the use of its facilities, and to gather input on building stronger partnerships with the department, DPR will host a series of community meetings.
The West Maui meeting is set for Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 5 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center. Organizers, officers and officials of adult leagues, tournaments and special events, and West Side community members interested in providing feedback or hearing more about the proposed permitting improvements are invited to attend.
“We look forward to collaboration with our youth, special needs, senior citizen and adult organizations and leagues in order to continue providing opportunities that encourage positive psychological, social, emotional and physical growth and development to the citizens and visitors of Maui County,” said Deputy Parks Director Brianne Savage.
Additional meetings are slated on Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. in the Old Hana School Cafeteria, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. in the Eddie Tam Social Hall in Makawao, March 4 at 5 p.m. at Paia Community Center, March 5 at 5 p.m. in the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Kahului and Thursday, March 6, at 5 p.m. at Kihei Community Center.
For more information, contact Savage at Parks.Dept@ mauicounty.gov.
The community can only benefit from better parks and programs for all ages.