North OC Times

Anaheim's renowned park has recently acquired a new playground, designed by local children and constructed in a single day by over 100 volunteers from The CarMax Foundation, KABOOM!, Anaheim Family YMCA, and the city of Anaheim. The new addition was built on Thursday, May 16, replacing the park's previous play area that was established in 2003.

This marks the 17th collaboration between Anaheim and KABOOM!, a national nonprofit committed to ensuring every child has an exceptional place to play. It is also the city's first project with The CarMax Foundation. The design of the new playground reflects the wishes expressed by neighborhood children during a gathering at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School on March 7.

The newly constructed playground boasts features such as a zip line, two slides, swings, a climbing wall, see-saw, drums and chimes, and an educational panel where children can learn Braille. To accommodate all abilities, the design includes bucket swings and see-saw seats with backs for children who may need to transfer from a wheelchair. Ground-level learning panels and music play are also included.

Jeff Hall, president of The CarMax Foundation stated: “More than 125 CarMax associates from 20 CarMax locations in the Southern California area and our partners at Edmunds are proud to team up with KABOOM! and the Anaheim community to build this playground.” He added that The CarMax Foundation is honored to provide funding for the new playground through their $3.9 million partnership with KABOOM!

Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, emphasized that playgrounds are spaces where children can experience physical and mental benefits of play while taking risks, building relationships, growing, exploring, and learning through joyful moments.

Little People’s Park opened in 1970 in downtown Anaheim. Recently it has been further enhanced with a Chicano heritage mural spanning 300 feet along the park’s southern edge. This new playground at Little People’s Park follows the addition of this mural in September.