Sinsheimer Park, San Luis Obispo November, 2017

Modern new playground showcases new and exciting designs
-Kids have a new and exciting place to play, as they enjoy San Luis Obispo’s newest playground, which opened on Thursday, November 16.

The event, held at Sinsheimer Park (900 Southwood Drive) from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a BBQ-style lunch and plenty of opportunities for children to slide, swing and climb at the playground, which was funded by a local revenue measure.

Sinsheimer Park, which also features a pool complex, baseball stadium, softball field, and tennis courts, is one of the City’s oldest parks, having opened in the 1970s. Its previous playground, installed in 1993, had become outdated, according to state and local guidelines. Rather than merely replacing old playground equipment, the City pursued a complete playground renovation, expecting Sinsheimer’s playground to become a destination park.

Playground with a view

Before installing new equipment, the city sought the community’s input on the park’s priorities, gathering feedback at two public workshops and three Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. The city even got feedback from its true target audience in a “kids only” session.

Designed by the San Luis Obispo-based RRM Design Group, the park features a large multi-slide centerpiece that resembles a fun robot from space. A grassy hill invites children to slide down – snow-sled-style – on pieces of cardboard. And a climbing wall encourages kids to explore their inner monkey. Other fun features include a snowboard simulator, a zipline and swings. The ADA-accessible playground also includes new picnic tables and benches, walkways, trees, water fountains and water filling stations.

Sinsheimer Park is one of 33 parks in the city. While the state has guidelines for playground safety, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has a policy of scheduling play equipment replacement on a 15-year cycle, which is considered the equipment’s useful lifespan.

Sinsheimer’s playground is particularly popular because it is located next to Sinsheimer Elementary School, making it a convenient after-school destination.

Attached photos courtesy of City of San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation Department.