por Jay Wilson

The conceptual plan for the new playground at the Rancho Mission Park was unanimously approved by the Allied Gardens Recreation Council at the March 7 meeting.

Following concerns raised by residents adjacent to the park at the January meeting, Councilmember Scott Sherman convened a meeting at his office consisting of the concerned residents, a member of the Rancho Mission Park Committee, and city staff. This resulted in a meeting being scheduled on-site, at which time residents pointed out their concerns and suggested remedies. 

Darren Genova, the city’s project manager, understood the concerns and agreed to have staff and Amy Hoffman, the design consultant with KTU&A, study the alternatives. At the March 7 recreational council meeting, the final playground concept was presented along with major changes to the proposed location of the two Americans with Disabilities Act-required parking spaces. All agreed that a viable solution was reached and the new ADA parking access road was able to save a large pine tree that was originally going to be removed.

Final plans will now be completed and those approved plans should be ready to go to bid in August, with construction starting at the beginning of 2017.

The project includes the construction of a new playground area with equipment for children ages 2-5 and 5-12. Based on feedback received from the community, the playground will include slides, swings, play structures, and other interactive play elements.

The design of the playground will reflect the surrounding natural environment, with rock boulders and native plants installed along the outside of the play area with elements of the play equipment resembling natural features.

Other improvements that will be provided will include new seating areas, shade canopies, ADA-compliant drinking fountains, ADA-accessible walkways and two ADA parking spaces.

—Jay Wilson writes on behalf of the Allied Gardens Recreation Council. Reach him at [email protected].