Jade Street Park Universally Accessible Playground Project
This project aims to develop a universally accessible (UA) playground at Jade Street Park. The proposed playground will replace an existing and outdated playground that was installed in 1999 and 2007. Jade Street Park is located at 4400 Jade Street, Capitola, CA, and is a part of the Jade Street Community Center Complex.
What is a UA Playground?
A UA Playground is designed for everyone to enjoy! Universally Accessible (UA) playgrounds are designed to allow users of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives to explore the power of play while building mental, physical, and social skills within the community. For more information on this type of design as it relates to public playgrounds, read the National Parks and Recreation Association article on UA Design Principles (link below under Supporting Documents).
Community Outreach
Community Outreach meetings occurred on March 25, March 28, April 25, and 29, 2023. Staff from both the City and its contracted designer, Verde Design, held these meetings to hear from and learn what our local community wants from this project. Staff also used a public survey to gather feedback on this project.
Project Timeline
On June 8, 2023, City staff and Verde Designs presented a conceptual plan for a UA Playground to City Council (view that presentation by clicking the link below, under Supporting Documents). Also on June 8, City staff presented a partnership with the County Park Friends for a fundraising campaign.
On July 27, City Council approved final conceptual plans for the playground (view that presentation by clicking the link below, under Supporting Documents). Council also approved a formal partnership agreement between the City and the County Park Friends for a fundraising campaign.
On September 28, City Council voted to approve a new playground name. The community submitted seventy name suggestions and City Council selected the winning name; Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park, from the top three contenders (Jewel Box Playground and Lighthouse Landing were the other two options).
Playground Design Highlights
The final design concept includes a “Marine and Shoreline” theme suited to coastal Capitola, with seating throughout and shade provided by existing and additional trees. The design also includes five zones, each designed to allow children of all ages and physical and cognitive abilities to engage and play: Climb and Slide Zone, Swing and Sway Zone, Tot Zone, Sensory Zone, and Game Zone. A variety of play structures and universally accessible equipment, such as a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, and a cozy dome are also included in the playground plan.
Private Fundraising Campaign
The City is thrilled to announce that thanks to our partnership with County Park Friends, more than $1 million dollars has been raised towards this exciting project. Please visit the County Park Friends website for more information. The successful completion of the private fundraising campaign is due to massive community support for creating a place all children can play together without the barriers those with disabilities often experience at typical playgrounds.
Next Steps
The City palns to secure any remaining necessary funding by early spring, 2025, and to bid the project that fall. Groundbreaking could be celebrated as soon as winter 2025.
Press
Read more about the project with these links:
