About 150 volunteers gathered at Maxwell Park in Anaheim on September 4 to construct a new playground as part of a broader effort to revitalize the neighborhood park. The initiative was a collaboration between the City of Anaheim, the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, and nonprofit organization KABOOM!, with participation from students at Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary School.
The newly built playground features swings, slides, climbing areas, sensory panels, and shade umbrellas designed in the Anaheim Ducks’ orange and black colors. Volunteers worked throughout the morning and early afternoon to assemble play structures, pour concrete, and spread woodchips. The new facility replaces a 20-year-old play area that was removed in August.
Once safety checks are completed and the cement has set, local children and families will be able to use the playground.
Maxwell Park spans 25 acres in west Anaheim and is home to Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary School and Haskett Branch Library. In recent years, it has undergone several improvements. In 2021, a dog park opened following community requests. Previously, in 2018, one of Anaheim’s largest homeless encampments was cleared from the park after city shelters became available.
“While a thriving community park today, 2018 marked a challenge for Maxwell,” according to information provided by city officials. “The park was the site of one of the city’s largest homeless encampments following the clearing of the sprawling Santa Ana River Trail encampment in early 2018.”
“In late 2018, after opening the first of several city shelters, Anaheim compassionately cleared the encampment with social workers, police, clean-up crews and transportation to shelter,” city representatives stated.
The $340,000 playground marks Anaheim’s eighteenth project with KABOOM! It is also their third joint build with the Ducks Foundation after previous projects at Center Greens (2022) and Peter Marshall Park (2023). The Ducks contributed volunteers as well as entertainment during construction day.
Schoolchildren played an active role in designing this latest addition; about 200 students submitted drawings and wish lists for desired features such as monkey bars—identified as their top request—as well as swings and slides. The final design includes accessible elements like companion swings, high-back seats, clear travel paths, and sensory panels intended for children seeking different experiences.
The project continues both ongoing investment by Anaheim into its public spaces and longstanding support from local organizations such as KABOOM! and the Ducks Foundation for neighborhood improvement efforts.
