Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Playgrounds topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves Desert Highland Park playground design with accessibility features
Summary
The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission voted to seek City Council approval to replace two play areas at Desert Highland Park with a single, inclusive playground manufactured by Burke, funded with roughly $800,000; construction would start in early 2026 pending council approval.
The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission voted to move forward with a combined replacement of the two existing playgrounds at Desert Highland Park and recommended that City Council approve a contract with playground manufacturer Burke.
The proposal would combine the current 2–5 and 5–12 play areas into a single, larger structure to better serve families with children of different ages. The commission was told the project budget is roughly $800,000 and that staff and the vendor incorporated community input gathered at earlier neighborhood meetings.
John, project manager for the Parks and Recreation Department, described design elements that reference local features such as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and desert motifs and said the structure will include slides, swings, musical play elements, interactive panels and shaded areas. "These will be a brand new feature for Palm Springs," John said. He also confirmed the design includes transfer stations, ramps and communication panels to improve access for children and adults with disabilities.
The commission heard a public comment from Olenka Villarreal, founder of the Magical Bridge Foundation, a nonprofit that builds inclusive playgrounds. Villarreal urged the commission to consider designs that serve a broad range of ages and abilities and said, "At Magical Bridge, inclusion means everyone."
Staff noted the project includes several inclusive features common to accessible playground design: transfer stations that allow a person to transition out of a mobility device, ramps sized to permit rolling access to play platforms, and communication/interactive panels for nonverbal users. Staff also said the location consolidates play areas to improve supervision and family convenience.
The project will also test solar-powered lights at the site; staff said the light technology is being tested separately but will be installed with the playground if the pilot and procurement align.
If the commission's recommendation is approved by City Council, staff said work would begin in early 2026 pending procurement and permitting. No final construction start date was set at the meeting.
On a roll-call vote following the presentation and a brief period for commissioner questions, the commission approved the recommendation to advance the Desert Highland Park playground project to council consideration.
The commission's approval sends the design and funding recommendation to the City Council for final authorization and contracting. If council approves the project, staff will return with procurement and schedule details.
Votes at a glance: the commission recorded a motion to advance the Desert Highland Park playground project; the motion carried on a roll-call vote and was recorded as approved by the commissioners present.
