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New outdoor space on campus offers ‘sense of belonging’

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Image courtesy of UHWO Staff

A new gathering area for everything from outside classes and workshops to hula and Hawaiian ensemble performances — and other such engaging activities — will soon be open to the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu community.

The Nāulu Center Outdoor Learning Space, also referred to as the Cultural and Performing Arts and Education Amphitheater, is a flexible multipurpose performance and event area. Construction of the Outdoor Learning Space was funded by the Title III Poʻo ʻIke Kino & ʻOhana (PIKO) Project.

Kimberly Reed, operations manager of the Nāulu Center, PIKO Title III, said on behalf of the PIKO Project, they are grateful for having the opportunity to offer an additional space on campus.

“The Cultural and Performing Arts and Education Amphitheater will soon provide a space to hold events related to academic programs, cultural activities, and student engagement,” Reed said.

The new space is at the Campus Center Plaza, right outside of Nāulu Center and facing the campus’ Great Lawn. It will be able to accommodate orientations, career fairs, music and dance events, speaking events, workshops, and more.

It features a metal shade structure (approximately 1,872 square feet) that incorporates supporting infrastructure — including power, telecommunications, WiFi, audiovisual capabilities for sound, theatrical lighting, and a large blow-up projector — to dually serve shading and performance needs.

Areas within the shade structure and surrounding plaza now have furniture for seating and collaborative gathering. The existing planters are also modified to incorporate bench seating and convenience power outlets, and enhanced with new lei-friendly plantings.

“With this new edition, we hope to increase a sense of belonging and connection with our UH West Oʻahu students, faculty, staff, and community,” Reed said.

Image courtesy of UHWO Staff