New Santa Monica Playground Offers Fun For All

A new playground at Santa Monica State Beach that aims to be open to all children will be unveiled this week.

The playground, which is being billed as "universally accessible," is set to open 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13 at South Beach Park. 

The playground includes "barrier-free equipment, increased maneuvering space, and accessible surfacing and paths," according to Judith Meister, Santa Monica's beach administrator. 

The park is also wheelchair accessible and seeks to serve the needs of children with physical, cognitive, seeing and hearing disabilities, as well as children with complex developmental behavioral conditions, such as autism.  

Mayor Pam O’Connor and members of Santa Monica’s Disabilities Commission and Recreation & Parks Commission, will be on hand for a special ceremony Saturday.  

“Inspired by Santa Monica's seaport history, and influenced by the sand and sea, the inclusive, multi-sensory playground takes the form of a ship, its blue and green sails welcoming visitors to the magnificent beaches of Santa Monica,” said playground designer Katherine Spitz of Katherine Spitz Associates, Inc. 

“The playground celebrates the marine environment with sensory and active play that recall elements of the marineworld, providing an accessible place for children of all abilities to play on the beach.“

South Beach Park is served by Big Blue Bus line 1, which runs along Main Street. Short term and all day parking is available in Beach Lot 5S (2600 Barnard Way).