By Kieran Kelly
A few weeks ago, Santa Cruz County Parks staff and several Aptos community residents broke ground on renovations to Hidden Beach County Park playground.
Rendering of what the renovated park playgroud at 680 Cliff Ave. in Aptos will look like. • Courtesy of Landscape Structures
The renovations include a new playground structure with a rubber play surfacing that makes the equipment accessible to all children, as well as a new permanent restroom.
This project was made possible through support from the County of Santa Cruz and a fundraising campaign in memory of Jett Ramsey, a local boy who passed away in April 2020 at age 6 following a battle with cancer.
“We cannot even begin to express our gratitude in words,” said Jett and Chris Ramsey, Jett’s parents. “We are so thankful for this amazing project that will remember our very special little boy for yours to come. “
Jett Ramsey
They said Jett had dozens of play dates there and took stroller rides there with his grandma.
“We love remembering our magical, green loving, feisty little boy,” they said. “It brings us so much comfort knowing we will get to remember him for years to come at this very special park. We are forever grateful.”
According to Supervisor Zach Friend, this project would not have been possible without community support.
“This playground is an example of how the Aptos community comes together to support one another, Friend said. “These renovations could not have happened without generous donations from neighbors, and I’m grateful that these gifts have made it possible to honor Jett’s memory.”
Frank DeBernardo of The DeBernardo Team, a close friend of the Ramseys, worked with Supervisor Friend and County Park Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local parks, to lead the fundraising campaign.
Community Members get together to break ground at Hidden Beach Park for the future playground.
“Improving and enhancing Hidden Beach Park will bring joy to families and children for many years to come,” Frank DeBernardo said. “To see how the community rallied around raising money for this public-private partnership in honor of the sweetest boy, Jett Ramsey, is a testament to how great the people of Santa Cruz can be.”
“This project represents the best of our community, rallying despite the pandemic to support each other, memorialize young Jett Ramsey and leave a legacy of joy for generations,” said Mariah Roberts, executive director of County Park Friends.
Santa Cruz County Parks staff noted that the new play structure was designed with community input to better reflect the natural beauty of Hidden Beach County Park.
“We are very excited for the renovations to Hidden Beach County Park to begin and the installation of a new playground and play surfacing will make it accessible to all,” Parks Superintendent Rebecca Hurley said. “All county parks provide areas for outdoor recreation and opportunities to enjoy nature for all residents, regardless of abilities.”