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Park at beach gets a face-lift
More swings, toddler area to be ready soon
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James Glover II / Star staff Operation Playground installer Juan Ortega, left, and foreman Danny Lopez put together Landscape Structures Evos playground equipment, one of the new features at a revamped playground near Ventura's pier.
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More swings. More space for infants and little ones.
Those were oft-repeated sentiments in a straw poll of stroller moms and kids as Ventura officials contemplated a face-lift for a popular but aging beach-side playground off Ventura's Promenade and adjacent to the Ventura Pier. Now, the work is under way.
"People said it was important to keep the swings, so we're adding more swings," said Keith Fowler, a city parks project manager. "There's an area for infants and toddlers, too. We're pretty excited about it."
The roughly $90,000 installation should be completed and the park reopened in time for Memorial Day weekend, Fowler said. For now, a chain-link fence surrounds the area, and visitors won't be able to use the park this weekend, he said.
The new colorful, coated-steel playground equipment should last longer in the corrosive marine environment and features less surface space for graffiti.
As for the swings, there will be 10, up from eight. There also will be a slide, a climbing apparatus and an infant area with age-appropriate gadgets.
All the implements are from Landscape Structures, a Minnesota playground equipment manufacturer.
"The equipment being built today is safer and way more innovative," Parks Manager Mike Montoya said. The main climbing piece has suspended parts and bouncy climbing cables.
The city next will turn its attention to Plaza Park downtown. The play equipment there will be replaced by July 4, Fowler said.
Posted by patticakepatti on May 16, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is great and all, but I'm a little confused as to where all this money is coming from???
Read this article to see where they are spending at least a million dollars more:
http://www.agresso.com/usa/2466_news-...
"Ventura prides itself as a full-service city" They forgot to add "that charges its' citizen's for emergency services.
Another very interesting tidbit is, "which can aid in compliance and auditing efforts Ventura may pursue." Now just what or who is it that the city of Ventura plans on auditing????
Posted by patticakepatti on May 16, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This link is not working....
Google this: Agresso Chosen by City Of Ventura To Modernize Government ERP System
And click on the first link too Agresso.com...
Posted by slkrchck on May 16, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks for the heads up. i was headed there with my boy this evening. we'll look forward to visiting later.
Posted by surfmedic91 on May 16, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now lets replace the homeless kids down their with some quality citizens or even some sidewalk performers like Venice.
Posted by alittlebirdie on May 16, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Surfmedic91, I agree and you often provide us with good commentary, but check your grammar!
Posted by patticakepatti on May 16, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nothing if you think $1 million dollars is okay to spend when your city is struggling...
Posted by wendyabb on May 18, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does Ventura even need a park at the beach? Parents get off your butts and play with your kids in the sand and the ocean that we are so blessed with.
VENTURA NEEDS A REAL SKATE PARK!!!!!
Posted by srcheek on May 21, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The park is great for days when the water is too cool or not clean and my husband and I ARE off of our butts playing with our three-year old at the playground. We're chasing him, pushing him on the swings, sliding, climbing, etc. Settle down, Wendyyabb.
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