Ventura, Calif. – The City of Ventura is thrilled to announce the official opening of its all-inclusive play area at Arroyo Verde Park on Friday, April 1, 2022. This new public amenity is Ventura’s first fully inclusive play area for youth of all abilities.
The 10,750 square foot play area features a colorful play surface, new landscaping, gathering areas, swings, hammocks, balance beams, a sensory garden, a motion-inclusive carousel, embankment climbers, and music play areas. It also features a sensory wall with recognition tiles dedicated to those who donated to the project.
“The all-inclusive play area means so much to our community and is a beautiful addition to Arroyo Verde Park,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “This area has transformed into a space where people of all ages and abilities can play without barriers and experience the joy of connection.”
Construction for the play area began in early May 2021. Arroyo Verde Park’s previous play structure was destroyed in the 2017 Thomas Fire. Rather than rebuild the same structure, the community and City worked together to re-imagine the space.
Families, community members, medical professionals, and playground manufacturers shared valuable input into the playground’s design. Through meetings and conversations, park designers developed an adaptive play space where children of all abilities can play together.
This project was supported by generous donations from the Ventura Community Partners Foundation (VCPF), as well as community groups, residents, medical professionals, and local businesses. A donor appreciation video is available on the City’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/OZA1bPI_93I .
For more information on the Arroyo Verde Park Inclusive Play Area, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/AVP or contact Community Outreach Specialist Taylor Pineda at [email protected].
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