Arroyo Verde Park Inclusive Play Area

The City of Ventura is thrilled to announce the official opening of its all-inclusive play area at Arroyo Verde Park on Friday, April 1, 2022. This new public amenity is Ventura’s first fully inclusive play area for youth of all abilities. 

The 10,750 square foot play area features a colorful play surface, new landscaping, gathering areas, swings, hammocks, balance beams, a sensory garden, a motion-inclusive carousel, embankment climbers, and music play areas. It also features a sensory wall with recognition tiles dedicated to those who donated to the project.

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast Land Design Inc. 

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Thank You Project Donors!

Thank you to the Ventura Community Partners Foundation (VCPF) and generous donations from community groups, residents, medical professionals, and local businesses, the city made this dream a reality. View a short video including comments from a few of the donors and other contributors who were part of rebuilding this remarkable play area on the City's YouTube channel.

2021 Project of the Year Award (APWA)

The Arroyo Verde Park Inclusive Play Area received the 2021 Project of the Year Award from the Ventura County Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in the structures category for its safety performance, effective construction management, environmental considerations, and community outreach. 

The APWA Project of the Year Award distinguishes the project’s efficient and effective construction management techniques, schedule mitigation amid COVID-19 supply chain challenges, construction management, control techniques, jobsite safety practices, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability. 

Project Background

In 2017,  Arroyo Verde Park’s main play structure was destroyed in the Thomas Fire. Rather than rebuild the same structure, the City decided to re-imagine the space and create the first fully inclusive play area in Ventura; a space where children of varying abilities could play together and with their families. 

Families, community members, medical professionals, and playground manufacturers were included in the playground design conversations. Through these conversations, park designers developed an adaptive play space where children of all abilities can play together. Thanks to generous donations from community groups, residents, and local businesses, construction on the adaptive play space began in May 2021. This project has been a true team effort.