This year’s Richardson Rough Water Swim has been canceled due to ongoing construction at the park.
The Department of Parks and Recreation has closed a portion of Richardson Ocean Park to improve access to the beach and comply with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Parks and Recreation is currently finishing its last 12 ADA projects across the county. The work at Richardson Ocean Park is slated to finish by February 2023.
Due to the ongoing construction, which began on June 6, Richardson Ocean Center and the onsite parking lot are closed.
In the beginning of July, construction will expand, and the public restrooms, parking lot, showers and Richardson Ocean Center will be closed.
The Richardson Rough Water Swim, which involves hundreds of participants, staff and spectators, could not safely take place along with the construction, according to Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina.
Workers are currently building two temporary shower towers before the permanent showers are closed.
Portable toilets will be brought to the park when the bathrooms are closed for renovations.
“Right now, we’re digging around and pulling up old asphalt to get the temporary, outdoor showers open,” Messina said. “Once those come up, phase two will be paving the main concrete walkway to the beach, starting the parking lot renovations, and renovating the comfort stations so they comply with ADA standards.”
According to Messina, people will still be able to access the park throughout the project except for a couple of days when hazardous materials abatement work takes place.
The cost of the project is $3.9 million, which is coming from county funds.
“We want to emphasize that this construction project will benefit all park users for years to come,” Messina said. “We do want to thank the public for their patience as we deliver on the required improvements needed to comply with ADA standards.”
The park is still open to the public, but parking and beach access is limited.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
