ARROYO VERDE PARK INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND
Ventura, California

Project Background:
In 2017, the Thomas Fire destroyed one of the playgrounds in Ventura’s Arroyo Verde Park. The City decided not to replace it in kind, but instead, to develop the first inclusive playground in the city. PCLD was chosen to move the design of the park from concept through construction, presenting ideas to the community and gathering ideas and inspiration. PCLD led the design effort from concepts through construction, and assisted the City of Ventura in fundraising over $450,000 to construct the park. Opened in May 2022 to much excitement, the project has since won two “Project of the Year” awards through the American Public Works Association (2022 Ventura County Chapter, 2023 National).

Client: 
City of Ventura

Design:
The new 10,000 sf playground incorporates feedback from numerous community outreach meetings and advice gleaned from local professionals specializing in care for children with disabilities to develop the community-specific inclusive goals for this unique playground. Influenced by the natural, canyon setting of the park, the playground contains areas to stimulate physical play, music, balance, swings, a sensory garden with stormwater infiltration basin, and cozy spot with hammocks and a pole fort for moments when it is necessary to seek respite from stimulus. The topography in the park creates an embankment with access to multiple slides, climbing features, and also provides access to the upper decks of large “fort” play structure. The “fort” structure is inspired by the original play fort in the park that was removed decades ago but still remains a fond memory for those in the community. The smaller, 2-5-year-old, structure offers many ground level and ramp accessible activities and sensorial play opportunities. The two structures are separated by ground level balance components, including log steppers, fallen logs, and balance beams with railings on either side for children of all abilities, as well as, a flush mount merry-go-round and inclusive seesaw. Swings complete the playground with choices for all abilities.