City of Scotts Valley has announced the grand opening of the inclusive Skypark Tot Lot Playground on Sunday, March 17, from 11am-1pm.
The event will start with a short ceremony and ribbon-cutting at 11am, followed by children activities, food trucks and a fun-filled day for the community.
Planning of the new Tot Lot playground began in late 2019, when the Recreation Division held two public meetings to gather input from residents on their priorities for the new playground. One meeting took place at Skypark, while the second occurred during a scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
In early 2020, two conceptual designs were presented at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, providing residents with an opportunity to express their feedback and preferences. After reviewing community input, the playground design and purchase were approved by the City Council in December 2022.
“Funded by Proposition 68 and a generous donation from the Community Advocates, the Skypark Tot Lot Playground project represents a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to providing inclusive and engaging recreational spaces for its residents,” according to Recreation Division Manager Allison Pfefferkorn.
Funding from the Community Advocates provided a complete pour-in-place surface. This surface enhances ADA accessibility, lowers maintenance needs, and has an extended lifespan compared to other surfaces.
The Tot Lot, for 2-5-year-olds, features several ramp pathways, enhancing accessibility throughout the playground and providing inclusive play opportunities for children of diverse abilities. A key design feature is the Alta Glide, a wheelchair-accessible glider that enables all children to experience the excitement of moving through space in a fun and exhilarating manner.
In addition to the Alta Glide, the playground boasts outdoor musical equipment that fosters creativity and collaboration among children of all abilities. Each instrument is thoughtfully designed to be played at angles and heights that are easily accessible to all children.
“Residents and families are invited to join in the celebration and experience firsthand the joy and excitement of the new Skypark Tot Lot Playground,” Pfefferkorn said.
