A long-vacant former sugar mill site on Oahu is being turned into a park, good news for 'Aiea residents who have no community gathering place.

• Volunteers spent two days planting trees on a three-and-a-half-acre open lot in 'Aiea.
• Nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies worked together on the planting.
• The city calls it a first step toward the neighborhood association's larger plan for the site.
• Future phases are meant to add a community center, outdoor play areas, and open space.
• Residents pushed for native plants and trees so the land would become a place to gather.

Outlook: The park should keep filling out in stages, with a community center the next big goal.