MOUNTAIN VIEW, Hawaii – A new playground has been opened in Mountain View.

A public blessing and dedication ceremony was held Friday. The playground was built next to Mountain View Park and A.J. Watt Gym in Mountain View, right behind the Waters of Life, or Na Wai Ola Public Charter School. The principal of the school, Daniel Caluya, thanked Mayor Billy Kenoi and Puna councilman Zendo Kern for making it happen.

This is the seventh playground opened since the mayor took office in 2008, representing an investment of over $1 million in playgrounds for keiki islandwide.

Councilmember Kern was credited for his constant advocacy for the getting the playground built. Kern gave thanks to the Friends of Mountain View Gym and Park for their community vision.

The blessing was delivered by Father Carmelito Redondo of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Mountain View. Members of the charter school assisted with the ceremony, following their principal and father Redondo around the equipment for the anointing.

Then, the maile lei was untied, unleashing a joyous, youthful rush onto the new playground.

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. built the 2,300-square-foot structure, which features two modular-design play areas designed for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Features include a climbing wall, seats, three slides, climbing rings and a unique safety surface that resembles natural grass.