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Posted: Thursday, June 14th, 2012 9:08 AM HST

County unveiled newly renovated park and gym

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

The County has unveiled its newly renovated and expanded Waiakea-Uka Park and Stanley Costales Gymnasium. The renovations include aluminum bleachers inside the gym and at both ball fields connected by paved walkways, a new roof atop both the gym and annex building, remodeled restrooms, along with repaved and additional parking. Mayor Billy Kenoi called the event a proud moment for the community. “We’re proud for our million dollar project here, at Waiakea-Uka Gym that honors Stanley Costales, one of the great athletes in Hawai`i’Island history, here out of Hilo High,” Kenoi said. Kenoi was joined by Roberta Costales, the widow of Stanley Costales, along with various County officials and some 100 children attending the first day of the County’s Summer Fun program. Costales was presented with a framed copy of a 2002 Hawai`i County ordinance officially renaming the gymnasium after the standout athlete, who in 1951 signed a professional baseball contract to play shortstop for the Cleveland Indians. Stanley Costales also worked for Department of Parks and Recreation from 1969 to 1987.