MARINA PARK PLAYGROUND
Ventura, California

Client: 
City of Ventura

Project Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Ventura was forced to close the playground at Marina Park, removing a vital recreational amenity from one of Ventura’s premier beachfront parks. The harsh coastal environment had rapidly corroded and degraded the existing playground equipment—rendering it unsafe within just five years of installation. This marked the second time in under 15 years that the playground at Marina Park required full replacement.

In 2021, PCLD partnered with the City to launch a community engagement campaign aimed at reimagining the playground. The goal: to deliver a long-lasting, environmentally resilient play space that reflected community priorities, all within the footprint of the previous playground. The project completed construction and opened to the public in June 2025.

Design:
At the outset, PCLD sought alternatives to conventional steel and plastic playground equipment—the same materials that had failed twice before in Marina Park’s coastal environment. Through a series of three community workshops and informal surveys, PCLD gathered input that helped refine the selection of play equipment, materials, and features. With strong community support, the team selected Kompan’s Robinia line, which incorporates sustainable wood, rope, and stainless steel—materials better suited to withstand the elements.

The final design includes diverse play opportunities: multiple swing types, rope climbing structures, a wobble bridge, a four-person see-saw, two elevated play structures (including one tailored for toddlers), and a small boat feature to encourage imaginative play. Integrated seating areas were also added to provide parents with rest spots and children with quieter zones away from active play.

Another critical design consideration was the playground surface. Previously, beach sand routinely migrated into the play area, creating dunes that compromised the surfacing's safety and performance. In response, the new design incorporates a dedicated sand buffer zone within the enclosed playground area. This allows for natural sand accumulation without disrupting the rubberized play surface, helping to preserve its impact attenuation and prolong its lifespan.