Inclusive Playground In The Works For Napa

Press release from the City of Napa:

NAPA, CA — The City of Napa is set to move forward with the Fuller Park Playable Art Project, an innovative playground renovation that blends artistic design with inclusive play elements. The Napa City Council was expected to consider adopting a resolution at its meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 18, to authorize the fabrication, delivery and construction of the final project design.

The proposed agreement with Specified Play Equipment Company, totaling $2,491,464, inclusive of project contingency funds, will allow the project to enter its next phase, ensuring that Napa kids can enjoy a modern, accessible and imaginative play space at Fuller Park. Restricted Public Art funds are only allocated for the Artistic components of the design.

Located at 560 Jefferson Street, the Fuller Park Playable Art Project will replace the existing playground equipment for ages 5 to 12, which was originally installed in 2002 and is now in poor condition. The updated design includes artist-designed playable structures, ground-level inclusive play equipment and new rubberized safety surfacing. The existing playground equipment for ages 2 to 5, installed in 2017, will be relocated to another park for continued use.
Designed by artist Daniel Wodarcyk, the centerpiece of the playground, titled “Leaves On A Line,” is an interactive play sculpture inspired by nature. The design promotes creative play, physical activity and problem-solving skills, engaging children in a unique multidimensional play experience.

“We’re so excited to bring this new playground to Fuller Park, designed with input from the community and built for kids of all abilities to enjoy,” said Parks and Recreation Director Breyana Brandt. “Fuller Park has always been a special place in Napa, and this project will make it an even better spot for families to gather and play.”

The project has undergone an extensive public engagement process, ensuring alignment with the needs and priorities of the community. A dedicated Fuller Park Playable Art Thematic Committee, composed of local stakeholders specializing in childhood development, public art and inclusivity, helped shape the project’s theme. After three public meetings, the committee selected a Trees & Nature concept, which led to the development and selection of the “Leaves On A Line” design.
Additional community engagement efforts included collaboration with representatives from the special needs community to select inclusive play equipment that offers opportunities for children of all abilities. The Napa Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission and the Public Art Steering Committee unanimously recommended the final project design following a public review on January 28.

The new Fuller Park playground will feature over 20 ground-level play elements, including slides, swings, climbing structures, musical components and interactive sensory play features. The design emphasizes teamwork, social interaction and accessibility, with poured-in-place rubberized surfacing enhancing safety and navigation for all users.

“The Fuller Park Playable Art Project is an exciting way to bring more creativity and inclusivity into our City,” said City Manager Steve Potter. “We’ve heard from the community that investing in spaces for kids and families is a priority, and this project is a great example of how we’re making that happen.”

Construction documentation, the final design stage, is expected to begin following City Council approval, with project construction anticipated to begin late 2025. For more information, visit www.CityOfNapa.com/1354/Fuller-Park-Playable-Art-Project

This press release was produced by the City of Napa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.