WAIPAHU, Hawaii — The Department of Parks and Recreation announced plans to finish an extensive rejuvenation project at the Waipio Soccer Complex by this summer.
“The ultimate goal of this effort is to increase the quality of these fields to tournament-level specifications by eradicating weeds, stimulating new grass growth, leveling uneven surfaces, and other repairs to all of the complex’s fields,” DPR said in a news release.
The project began in late 2023 with DPR staff addressing field maintenance issues, which included irrigation repairs, backfilling holes, leveling, grass fertilizing, applying grass seed, deep cleaning of the bathroom building, water fountain maintenance and painting.
Along with the work of DPR staff, volunteers with the Hawaii Rush Soccer Club, American Youth Soccer Organization, the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University Soccer Teams, and the Hawaii Youth Soccer Association have helped with weed removal and basic leveling.
During the maintenance work, DPR worked with regular park permittees and leagues to reduce use of the fields to allow the rejuvenated fields to rest. This meant less weekday practices and select closures. This will allow the fields to be in prime shape for the 2024 U.S. Youth Soccer West Regional Championship in June and the Hawaii International Cup in August.
In the future, DPR is considering implementing periodic closures to allow the fields to rest and for field maintenance. The state agency recently implemented a plan to do this at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park.
Waipio Soccer Complex is a unique soccer facility in Hawaii, which spans 288 acres and includes 21 regulation fields and a 5,000-seat stadium with lights for evening games. Learn more about the complex by visiting DPR’s website.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.