The Torao & Sumie Matsumoto Gymnasium and the recreation building at Whitmore Community Park are closing until the fall for renovations, according to the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

Improvements include replacing the roofs of both structures, renovating the gym’s floors and walls, improving drainage and painting. The surrounding parking lot will also be closed throughout the renovation.

Nearby Whitmore Neighborhood Park and its recreational facilities are open for public use.

Whitmore Community Park opened Nov. 1976 across from Whitmore Neighborhood Park which opened in June 1965.

Following the passing of Honolulu City Council Resolution 10-291, the park’s gymnasium was renamed in honor of Torao and Sumie Matsumoto in a ceremony held Aug. 2017.

Torao and Sumie Matsumoto worked at the Hawaiian Pineapple Company and lived at Kemoʻo Camp after marrying in 1921. Two years later, they opened the first of many stores while raising four sons. The couple was known to extend credit to plantation workers and often forgave outstanding debts of struggling families.

Although both retired in the 1960s, they were actively involved in the community and in various organizations. In 1976, the City and County of Honolulu recognized Torao as an Outstanding Senior Citizen.