Community input directed the design and amenities selected for the new replacement playground for children ages 5-12 years at Colgan Creek Neighborhood Park. Mayor Chris Rogers and Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez (District 1) officially opened the new play structures on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

The Park’s original play structure, for children ages 5-12, was damaged several years ago and the manufacturer is no longer producing replacement parts. In December 2020 during the pandemic, the city launched an extensive virtual community outreach campaign to engage with the neighboring community to learn what type and design of replacement structure they preferred.

The playground design with the large net climber tower received the highest number of positive responses. The net design includes a climbing structure with two slides, a major climbing net with arched structures keeps kids in motion, and a group spinner; as well as the highly requested traditional swings. The community also requested additional amenity modifications that were incorporated, such as sensory elements to the shaded tower structure, sound tubes, and an accessibility standards access ramp.  

“The playground design and play elements encourage children and families of all ages and abilities to engage in active and physically healthy activities,” said City of Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers. “This new play structure will support new generations of kids in the neighborhood.”

Colgan Creek Park has an existing Master Plan which enabled this project to move quickly through a cooperative purchase process.  The cooperative purchase process not only streamlines the process, but also functions as a cost savings, by not only buying the equipment itself, but also the design & permits, as well as removal of the damaged structure and replacement of the new structures.  

The project was primarily funded through Park Development impact fees collected in the southeast zone and cost approximately $290,000.  

“Neighborhood parks provide children the opportunity to develop a variety of skills including social, emotional, cognitive and physical,” said Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez. "Colgan Creek Park playground is designed with a variety of multisensory features, making learning new skills fun.”

The new playground is located in Colgan Creek Neighborhood Park, a 2.47-acre property located at 2036 Bedford Street in southeast Santa Rosa, bordering Kawana Springs Creek. Park amenities include half-court basketball, picnic area, lawns, bike racks, paths and two play areas for children ages 2 to 5 years and 5 to 12 years. 

Additional information on Colgan Creek Neighborhood Park project can be found by visiting srcity.org/3667/Colgan-Creek-Neighborhood-Park

For more on City Park Projects visit https://srcity.org/2448/Park-Projects

The City of Santa Rosa operates and maintains over 70 parks totaling over 1,000 acres, including trails and open spaces; srcity.org/Parks