Polliwog Park’s Grand Reveal: Manhattan Beach’s New Playground Equipment
Polliwog Park’s Grand Reveal: Manhattan Beach’s New Playground Equipment
City leaders gather to celebrate project completion
The sun shines a little brighter in Manhattan Beach today as the city celebrates the grand unveiling of its brand-new playground equipment at Polliwog Park. After years of anticipation, the community can now enjoy state-of-the-art playground amenities in a revitalized Polliwog Park. This marks the end of a multi-year project aimed at replacing the aging sunken galleon playground that has anchored the park for decades.
A Playground Renewed
The newly renovated area covers approximately 12,500 square feet, featuring modern playground equipment with resilient safety surfacing. But that’s not all; the improvements extend to 3,000 square feet of shade structure coverage, 5,000 square feet of well-maintained walkways, and an additional 4,000 square feet dedicated to park walkway rehabilitation. The result is a vibrant, welcoming space that promises endless hours of fun for Manhattan Beach’s families.
A Tribute to Tradition
Mayor Richard Montgomery expressed his excitement, saying, “This is an exciting day for Manhattan Beach! This playground has been a beloved part of Polliwog Park for over 50 years,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “We believe that parks do make life better! This playground is where community is built-where you run into your neighbors, or head to the park playground for a meet-up.”
The original Polliwog Park playground was a labor of love, constructed by members of a City service group in the 1970s. It featured a large sunken galleon that captured the imaginations of generations of children. In 2003, the play structures were updated, and after 17 years of dedicated use, it was time for a new chapter.
Embracing Nature
The new playground equipment pays homage to the park’s history with a stunning galleon ship centerpiece. In addition to this, there are other nature-based play elements, including a bioswale designed to aid in drainage after storm events, and a natural play area adorned with boulders. These elements not only enhance playtime but also promote environmental consciousness and connection to nature.
A Collaborative Effort
Funding for this impressive project came from a variety of sources, showcasing the community’s dedication to its parks. Los Angeles County grant funds contributed $750,000, while $200,000 came from California State Parks Proposition 68 funding. The City of Manhattan Beach demonstrated its commitment to the project by providing $2,000,000 from the Capital Improvement Project funds. This project also exemplifies a valuable partnership between the City and the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, which owns the land upon which the new playground now proudly stands.
Manhattan Beach’s Polliwog Park has received a stunning makeover, breathing new life into a cherished community space. With its dedication to tradition, embrace of nature, and collaborative funding efforts, this project sets a shining example of how communities can come together to create something truly remarkable. The new playground is poised to become a focal point for families, a source of pride for the city, and a place where cherished memories are made for generations to come.
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