San Jose Standard

Ed Bautista, Communications Manager for Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, announced that the City of San José will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for an all-inclusive playground at Almaden Lake Park on June 21, 2024. The event is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. at 15780 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95120.

The ceremony will feature several notable attendees including Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmember Arjun Batra of District 10, Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California's 19th District, former Councilmember Johnny Khamis of District 10, Haydé Pacheco from PRNS as Parks Manager, and Ken Tavernier from the Rotary Club of Almaden/Willow Glen.

According to Bautista, "This project is designed to include play elements that are inclusive to all ages and abilities." The new playground will be the fourth inclusive playground in San José alongside Rotary Play Garden, Lincoln Glen Park, and Emma Prusch Farm Park.

The nature-themed playground will incorporate various features such as a 21-foot net climber play structure, a globe spinner, a see-saw, climbable frogs, swings, musical instruments among others. Additionally, it will have seating areas and pathways enhanced with sensory plants. Both the tot lot for ages 2-5 and the youth lot for children ages 5-12 will be enclosed by fencing.

Construction efforts at this 65-acre park will also include ADA upgrades to nearby restroom facilities as well as ADA-compliant parking stalls and pathways leading to the playground.

For more information about PRNS parks and facilities or updates on this project follow @sjparksandrec on social media platforms or visit www.sanjoseca.gov/prns. Further details about the Playgarden at Almaden Lake can be found at www.playgardenalp.org.