Kid’s World, the 8,000-square-foot wooden playground at Santa Barbara’s Alameda Park, will be closed for regularly scheduled maintenance, Tuesday, April 7-Friday, April 17.

Kids World playground at Alameda Park includes a low wall and posts decorated with the painted hand prints of children who helped built the park in 1993.
Kids World playground at Alameda Park includes a low wall and posts decorated with the painted hand prints of children who helped built the park in 1993. Credit: Courtesy photo

The all-wood structure requires a special maintenance regimen to ensure it can hold up against the elements year after year, according to the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department.

During the closure, the Parks and Recreation Department staff will conduct a thorough inspection of the playground and make any necessary repairs before deep cleaning, re-staining, and resealing the structure.

“The closure will ensure enough time for the stain and sealant to cure properly and protect the wood from moisture damage,” the city said.

The closure has been timed to take place after spring break and before the annual Earth Day Festival to reduce the impact on local families who use the playground.
 


Kid’s World, Santa Barbara’s largest playground, was constructed in 1993 by hundreds of community volunteers under the direction of Leathers and Associates, a firm known for its imaginative playground designs.

The playground was built in just one week, with significant participation from local residents and children who helped inform the design.

Tiles featuring the handprints of children who participated in planning and construction remain visible around the structure.

In 2018, Kid’s World underwent a full renovation to comply with updated accessibility requirements and building codes.



For more, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Parks.