HILO, Hawaii: Hawaii County is announcing the closure of Reeds Bay Beach Park for 4 months in order to go ahead with planned park improvements.

This media release was issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation:

The County of Hawaii, Department of Parks & Recreation announces the closing of Reeds Bay Beach Park from Monday, Aug. 29, through Dec. 31, 2011 for construction activities. The park improvements will include new accessible walkways with integrated seat walls; grassing and landscaping; and new park amenities such as outdoor showers, a drinking fountain and picnic tables.

The adjacent graveled parking area and shoreline will remain open to the public though construction activities may impact that area as well from time to time. For boaters moored in Reed’s Bay that require access during this closure, the contractor is required to accommodate launching and retrieval of your watercraft subject to the location and progress of their work. All other recreational boaters (kayakers, paddle boarders, beachgoers, etc.) are required to use a different venue for their recreational activities such as the nearby Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Park or Hilo Bayfront Beach Park.

The department apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and thanks the public in advance for their cooperation as we strive to improve our community for the benefit of all.