The Santa Clarita City Council approved Tuesday expanding the budget for an “inclusive” play area at West Creek Park, increasing the cost of the project by more than $670,000.
According to city staff, the expansion of the project will add additional features that would “enhance the inclusive play area,” including the construction of a dual-track inclusive zipline, a friendship swing, an enhanced play area for children ages 2-5, music and sensory-friendly play elements, a shaded eight-station outdoor community fitness area, and a 13-station inclusive Bankshot Playcourt.
“This project exemplifies the city’s commitment to improving the quality of life of its residents and supports the Building and Creating Community theme of the city’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025,” reads the council’s regular meeting agenda. “Additionally, it is a focus area identified in the Parks and Recreation Five-Year Plan to maximize accessibility by offering inclusive play elements and design principles for people of all ages and abilities.”
The City Council approved a contract with Landscape Structures Inc. in July 2021 for the design and construction of West Creek Park’s play area.
“The West Creek Park inclusive play area will provide elements that welcome children and adults of all abilities to interact, play, learn and grow together,” the city’s agenda reads. “This project will offer a balance of play experiences that promote integrated play for residents of all abilities and further develop physical, cognitive, sensory, communication and social skills.”
However, after further discussion with the public, city staff said they recognized that the original contract should be expanded upon to include these new elements.
“Upon completion, this project will replace the existing 5,200-square-foot play areas with new inclusive play areas that measure approximately 15,800 square feet,” reads the agenda. “Inclusive playgrounds provide meaningful play experiences, and this project will provide an enjoyable outdoor play environment that provides physical and social inclusion for people of all ages and abilities.”
The total cost of the project is now not to exceed $1,670,274.
