ALL-ABILITIES PARK UPGRADES - HEATHER PARK
GENERAL INFORMATION
Project Name: Heather Park
Building Location: Seal Beach, California, United States
Project Type: All-Abilities Park Upgrades
DESCRIPTION
The city of Seal Beach places a strong emphasis on fostering community engagement for individuals of all abilities by creating all-access spaces which serve as a vital recreational resource for residents with disabilities.
GOALS
The goal was to design and build a park based on conceptual drawings that incorporated inclusive play features for children with disabilities and modernized play equipment for local residents. Additional elements, including exercise equipment for adults, shade structures and picnic benches were added to encourage multigenerational use. Demand for the revitalized space was immediate with site reservations already booked well into the next year.
PROCESS
OVERVIEW
KYA guided the city through every step of the process, offering expertise and support from start to finish. This included providing samples of rubber safety surfacing, assisting with the selection of play structure designs and rendering the proposed space to help the city visualize the final outcome.
CONSTRUCTION
PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS
The renovation began with the demolition of the existing playground, surface and facilities to make way for a fully upgraded and inclusive play environment. The project included the installation of vibrant landscaping, finished concrete pathways and colorful, wheelchair-accessible poured-in-place (PIP) safety surfacing. New all-abilities playground equipment was added, featuring an ADA-compliant swing, a traditional swing set, a mini playhouse structure and outdoor exercise equipment to promote active recreation for all ages. The space was further enhanced with a decomposed granite (DG) pathway and enclosed with durable fencing to ensure safety and accessibility, creating a welcoming and secure environment for the community.
PROJECT RESULTS
The project was a resounding success completed within a tight five-month timeline. Children immediately embraced the space and the city received widespread praise for the transformation. The project significantly enhanced the community’s commitment to creating an environment of inclusivity.
