2024 Ride Beneficiary
Our primary beneficiary for this year's Rotary Ride is Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park. We are helping to raise funds for a universally designed playground in Capitola, CA. And, here's why we're excited to support the creation of Treasure Cove.
Play for all
Every child, regardless of their ability, deserves a place to play with others. One out of every ten children has a disability. Two out of every ten individuals in the general population have disabilities. This includes parents and grandparents with disabilities who love playing with their children and grandchildren at playgrounds.
Why a universally accessible playground
Children learn by interacting with their peers, but those with disabilities are denied entrance to most traditional, ADA-compliant playgrounds. Surrounded by sand or wood chips, they are impossible to navigate for wheelchairs and walkers. When children with disabilities can reach the structure, there are only one or two pieces of equipment available to them, leaving them out of most play activities. Children with disabilities need access to their social circle and the vital benefits of play for their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Treasure Cove will provide a play environment for children with disabilities and an avenue for all to learn compassion and acceptance.
Design
The plans for the new playground were created by Verde Designs based on input from the community to ensure the playground will be designed for all. The plans include a marine and shoreline theme with a Climb and Slide Zone, Swing and Sway Zone, Tot Zone, Sensory Zone, and Game Zone. Throughout the play space, universally accessible equipment such as swings, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, spinners, slides, and a cozy dome are planned. The elements will be placed over colorful rubberized surfacing throughout to provide an inclusive, easy to access environment for individuals with physical disabilities.
Location
The mid-county location of Jade Street Park will allow easy access for families from all parts of the county; it is close to medical centers, pediatric therapy offices, affordable housing and schools for children with autism. Separately and concurrently, the City of Capitola is also in the process of renovating the highly utilized co-located community center, and enhancing access to the playground by improving sidewalks connecting the playground area to the existing ADA parking area.
A Public Private Partnership
The City of Capitola and County Park Friends are working together in a public-private partnership to find the 1.82 million in funding needed to create Treasure Cove. County Park Friends has the goal of raising $1 Million in private funding from the community with the city funding the remaining balance.
Thank You
Thank you for supporting the Rotary Ride as we work with County Park Friends to create Treasure Cove, a place where every child can feel like they belong.
