The Upcountry community needs a toddler playground and Eddie Tam is the ideal place to put one. Makawao does not have any playgrounds at all. Upcountry and North Shore do not have any playgrounds suitable for children under 5. The Parks and Recreation Department should allocate funds leftover from CB-3232/Honokowai Playground in the FY2022 budget to design this playground.

Eddie Tam should be a relatively easy and cheap place to put a playground. There's ample parking, flat grassy areas, bathrooms, and shade under trees. Near the ficus tree by the tennis courts would be a particularly lovely and cost-effective area for a toddler playground.

There are no toddler playgrounds at all upcountry. All the playgrounds within 20 min of Makawao are designed for children over 5 and they’re also super crowded. Toddler playgrounds are usually smaller and not so tall. There are more steps to climb with fewer ledges to fall off of. A fence is also a great addition to a toddler playground. 

With rising childhood obesity and the awareness that outdoor play is safer during a pandemic era, more parks and playgrounds are necessary. Outdoor play increases mental resiliency and cognitive function, and each community of keiki and makua deserves nearby access to a playground. Please allocate funds to move this project forward.