The Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley (BGCSFV) playground has been closed for about a decade because of safety concerns. But through several partnerships, the club has built a new one and hopes to open it toward the end of December.
Approximately 200 volunteers gathered on Oct. 10 to help build the playground, which was completed after just a few days. Community members also had a hand in designing the project by sharing ideas with the project organizers about what they wanted to see in the new play area. In addition to the traditional swings and slides, for instance, the playground will also feature a sensory board for nonverbal children to help them communicate.
Carolina Garcia-Melo, senior director of Operations and Programs for the club, said, “We have a number of children on the spectrum … and we want to make sure we create this safe space for everyone, and we can be as inclusive as possible.”
Although the playground is complete, it’s only Phase 1 of a project that’s still in the works. Phase 2, which begins in November, and will include the construction of a new soccer field, nature area, basketball court and a walking path. The playground will remain closed to the public until Phase 2 is finished.
The new playground built at the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley after the old one sat unused for a decade due to safety concerns. (Photo Courtesy of BGCSFV)
Garcia-Melo said that work on the project began earlier this year, when BGCSFV was contacted by KABOOM! – a nonprofit organization that helps communities build and renovate playspaces. Through sponsorships with PDS Health, a health care support organization that integrates medical and dental care, and Smile Generation, a referral service and network that connects patients to dental and medical care providers.
“KABOOM! wanted a playground around this area, and so it worked out for us,” said Garcia-Melo. “Their emphasis is on play equity, making sure that all kids have access to playgrounds and play equipment.” KABOOM! funded the project.
While the new area will be mainly accessible to BGCSFV clients, one of their goals is to make it open to the public as well. How this will take shape has yet to be determined, but one option Garcia-Melo suggested is to have the playground open on the weekends to the public while reserved for kids with the club during its regular hours.
“Our membership is $30 for the whole year, which includes access to all the programs that we offer,” said Garcia-Melo, which include esports, arts and crafts, soccer, basketball and leadership development opportunities.
“Our community deserves good things, and we want to be able to share that with them,” she added. “We’re super excited to see it all come to fruition and for it to be a space that kids can really enjoy.”
For more information on BGCSFV, visit https://www.bgcsfv.org/.
