Update on Central Park Playground

Many of you have noticed that the Central Park Great Lawn has been fenced off as part of the Central Park Playground Project.  While the Playground is under construction, all Central Park events will occur on Central Park’s East Lawns alongside 5th and Laurel Avenues (aka where Geoffrey the Giraffe is).

The Playground Project is expected to take up to 2 years to complete.  While this seems a very long time, this is because of the complexity of the project and the need to ensure public safety.  Please read the following explanation from staff and check in on the City’s project webpage for any updates. This is a good read for anyone interested in the many facets of major City infrastructure projects.

 Thanks for your patience while the City works hard to create an amazing space for future generations!

Project Overview From City Staff: “While it may appear to be a playground replacement at first glance, this project represents a complete reimagining reconstruction of the area. The selected design was shaped through numerous community meetings, where residents provided input on playground features and aesthetics, as well as through presentations to City Council and various Park and Recreation Commission meetings, to ensure alignment with broader community goals. In addition to an entirely reimagined theme and design, the playground will have custom-designed play structures manufactured overseas. The project also includes demolition of the existing restroom and the installation of a new prefabricated restroom building, a covered picnic shelter, upgraded utility connections, and significant site improvements like new walkways, lighting, signage, fencing, seating areas and other amenities.

The construction contract, which was approved at the March 17, 2025, City Council Meeting, allows the contractor 548 calendar days (approximately 18 months) to complete the project. However, the project may take up to 24 months due to unforeseen circumstances as is common with projects of this size and scope. This timeline is in alignment with durations for previously completed projects in neighboring communities of similar scope and complexity.

Factors that affect the schedule including issues beyond the contractor’s control such as:

• Heritage tree and root protection as part of a robust tree protection plan required by the city

• Overseas shipping of custom playground equipment

• Manufacturing and shipping of the prefabricated restroom building

• Environmental mitigation requirements (e.g., CEQA mitigation, protection of nesting birds)

• Hazardous materials remediation required for the safe demolition of the existing restroom

• Possible weather-related delays

Additionally, the installation of new sewer and water lines requires careful coordination, as they must connect to a main sewer line located in El Camino Real. This work requires an approved Caltrans encroachment permit (which we have already secured) and may require lane closures and inspections due to the sewer’s location in the middle of the street—an effort that involves collaboration with outside agencies.

Compounding the challenge further, is the compact nature of the construction site, which is less than 1.5 acres and located in a mature, well-used park that will remain open to the public throughout the construction process. This necessitates careful scheduling to maintain public safety.”