By Jondi Gumz
The City of Capitola is forging ahead with a project to replace the aging playground at Jade Street Park with a new playground accessible to all children.
A toddler gets a push on the swing from his mom at Jade Street Park. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Think LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park, 1975 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz.
“I am so excited for the park!” said City Council member Yvette Lopez Brooks. “It really has been a dream of mine to get this built.”
Nikki Bryant LeBlond, Recreation Division manager, is spearheading the project, hosting a final community meeting April 25 at 7 p.m. at 4400 Jade St., and a pop-up at the park April 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take public input.
She answered questions about the project.
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What’s the cost estimate for the accessible playground? What has the city budgeted?
The City has budgeted $275,000 this fiscal year towards this project, currently in the design phase, and is now considering the allocation of additional funding for FY22/23. Based on preliminary research, staff has determined a comprehensive accessible playground project at Jade Street Park could cost approximately $1,000,000. Final budget for the project will be determined as the project scope is further refined.
Is this a state or federal grant-funded project?
We are not planning to apply for any grants related to this project at this time.
Is private fundraising needed?
The City plans to partner with a community organization for a fundraising campaign. The allocated budget is a kickstarter for the fundraising campaign.
How old is the playground/play structure at Jade Street Park?
The Jade Street playground equipment dates to 1999, with an update in 2007. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Playground equipment was initially installed in 1999 and updated in 2007.
Does this mean buying a new play structure?
Yes, the project will replace the current play structures and change the layout of the overall playground.
City-hosted community meetings with Verde Designs will provide information on the project but more importantly these meetings will provide opportunities for the public to share what they would like to see in their universally accessible park.
What’s the age range the playground will be designed to serve?
The current playground has both a toddler and older youth structure.
We predict that the community will decide this remains a suitable age range for a youth-centered park; however, as a universally accessible playground, the design goal is to provide for all ages and ability.
(If you watch the activity at similar playgrounds, like Leo’s Haven in the county, you will observe a multi-generational experience.)
Additionally, the area surrounding the playground is also included in the project and will continue a multi-generational experience.
Has the city heard from residents on the access issue?
The City strives to make all public facilities accessible for everyone.
The City Council has included this renovation project and the renovation of the Community Center part of their goals for this fiscal year. Optimizing accessibility is a priority of both projects.
What will happen at the Jade Street Park pop-up April 29?
The City has organized for a food truck at the park, with Verde Design staff and presentation materials available to answer community questions. The public can also complete an online survey to provide feedback.
What’s the city timetable on actually installing a new playground?
The City plans to complete the conceptual design by the summer and will then begin a fundraising campaign along with community partners. It could take a year or more to fundraise and fully fund the project. Once we reach the fundraising goal, the City will begin the installation process.
Will city crews do the installation?
The City will undergo a public competitive bidding process to select a contractor that will complete the construction of this project.
Top Photo: The City Council is expected to see a presentation on a universal playground for Jade Street Park in June. • Credit: Jondi Gumz