Capitola Delays Opening of Community Center, Accessible Playground

The City of Capitola has postponed the grand opening of its newly renovated Community Center and Treasure Cove Playground because construction work has taken longer than expected.

The opening celebration had been scheduled for June 17 at Jade Street Park, but city officials announced that the event has been delayed due to construction delays. The city is now aiming to hold the grand opening in mid-August, although a final date has not yet been confirmed.

The projects are located at 4400 Jade St. and represent major upgrades to one of Capitola’s most popular community gathering places.

Treasure Cove will become the city’s first universally accessible playground. Designed with input from community members, the playground replaces older equipment that no longer met accessibility standards.

The marine-themed playground has rubberized surfaces and equipment designed for children of all abilities. Features include a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, sensory play structures, swings, spinners, slides, climbing areas and quiet spaces.

The playground was made possible through a partnership between the city and County Park Friends. The nonprofit group led an 18-month fundraising campaign that raised more than $1 million from more than 1,500 donors.

The renovated Capitola Community Center is opening alongside the new playground. The 5,792-square-foot building has served the community since the 1980s and has undergone extensive improvements.

The renovation includes structural repairs, a new roof and siding, updated meeting rooms, an upgraded kitchen, a new single-user restroom, and improvements to heating, cooling, electrical and lighting systems.

New patios and pathways connect the building directly to the playground.

Funding for the Community Center project came from several sources, including $475,000 from the City of Capitola, a $4.2 million federal Community Development Block Grant and a $1 million state grant through the California Natural Resources Agency.

The city plans to announce a new grand opening date once construction is complete and the project is ready to welcome the public.