Jade Street Park, situated in the City of Capitola, serves as a vibrant community hub, featuring a diverse array of amenities, including a play area equipped with various types of playground apparatus. The objective of the current project is to redesign this play area by introducing contemporary play features that include interactive equipment, inclusive play zones, and additional amenities aimed at promoting universal access for all users.
To ensure community involvement in the planning process, Verde Design partnered with the City to conduct a series of public outreach initiatives, which encompassed two online surveys, two community meetings, and two outdoor pop-up events. These efforts were designed to engage stakeholders and gather their insights regarding the new play area. Visual representations of proposed ideas and concepts were displayed on presentation boards, enabling participants to better understand potential features and offer their feedback. The community’s input was then integrated into two comprehensive design concepts, which were presented back to the public for additional commentary and refinement.
The resulting design is inclusive, encouraging participation from individuals of all physical and cognitive abilities. The play area is divided into two distinct zones: a tot zone tailored for toddlers and a play area for children aged 5 to 12. Each zone is equipped with universally accessible play structures that facilitate a variety of recreational activities. Furthermore, the design incorporates seating areas, accessible pathways, landscaping elements, and a designated dog path. This universally accessible playground will be named Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park, featuring a marine-inspired theme that reflects the local aquatic environment of Capitola.
