One of Goleta’s most popular family parks is headed for a renovation in 2025.

The city of Goleta wants to build an inclusive playground and new bathrooms at Stow Grove Park, 580 North La Patera Lane.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the project recently. Members took no vote but received a presentation. The Goleta City Council will ultimately decide on the designs.

The new playground would have inclusive swings, ramped play structures and a
wheelchair-accessible spinner, among several other features.

The We-Go-Round wheelchair-accessible spinner is the only spinner of its kind on the market, according to a presentation at the meeting.

“Children and/or caretakers in mobility devices are able to seamlessly enter, exit and operate the spinner autonomously. The We-Go-Round is truly inclusive of all ages and abilities, and easily one of the most popular play elements on any playground.”

Designers presented two options to the commission, with members liking elements of both.

“The thing that affected me the most when I visited Stow Grove Park for the first time was the incredible trees, the incredible natural environment, the peaceful nature of it, so we really worked hard to create something that was dynamic in play value, but didn’t take focus off the natural environment,” said Nate Stutz, recreation consultant for Rec West Outdoor. “We really felt we wanted equipment that could blend in.”

The project will be done in two phases, with the first phase, including the playground and new bathrooms, costing about $750,000. The money came from a state grant from the California State Parks Department.

It’s the second time Goleta has worked with Rec West Outdoor; the company designed Jonny Wallis park in Old Town Goleta.

The company worked with an advisory board to review the playground structures to provide maximum inclusivity.

“We employ a pretty large inclusivity advisory board,” Stutz said.

The play structures are designed for a variety of people, including those with emotional, intellectual and development disabilities, along with those with autism, speech, language, hearing and orthopedic disabilities, according to the presentation.

One of the designs includes a 20-foot-tall Super Net Plex Tower.

“We’ve got big tall trees there,” said commissioner Timothy Philibosian. “Those trees are massive — 60, 70 feet — so if we are going to do a tower, put it as high as we could go and let these kids enjoy it.”

The park is used now for parties and picnics, as well as recreation, including volleyball, soccer and youth sports practices. It’s also a place for larger events, such as corporate picnics, and for walking dogs and enjoying a stroll.

“This is a beautiful park,” Stutz said. “Clearly we don’t want to mess with it. We want to create something dynamic that really fits the vibe of the park. And we wanted to include something that was truly an inclusive play structure. It will be one of the first of its kind in the area.”