Who We Are
The Santa Cruz Playground Project is a grassroots effort driven by Bob and Tricia Potts of Watsonville, CA. They have three children, the youngest of whom uses a wheelchair for mobility.
In December of 2013 the family attended the opening of Tatum’s Garden, an inclusive playground in Salinas. The children loved being able to play together without barriers, and the family came away with their eyes opened to the need for a fully inclusive playground in their own county of Santa Cruz.
The Santa Cruz Playground Project is a group of dedicated volunteers who have been working to make this needed playground a reality. Partners in this project also include the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Department, the Chanticleer Park Neighbors Association, and Shane’s Inspiration, a non-profit organization which as designed award-winning inclusive playgrounds around the world.
Inclusive Playgrounds
For families with disabled children, having access to an inclusive playground literally means the difference between being stuck on the sidelines versus being able to play and have fun with other kids.
Inclusive Playgrounds:
- Provide ALL children the opportunity to learn and develop together.
- Improve physical, cognitive, and social skills.
- Provide sensory-rich play experiences.
- Provide a safe play space for those with cognitive, social, or physical disabilities.
- Reduce or eliminate barriers those with special needs encounter at current playgrounds by using universally accessible design to meet or exceed ADA accessibility requirements.