SANTA CLARA -- Just in time for spring break, the city of Santa Clara unveiled a new playground, one that gives kids a hidden history lesson.
The playground at Archie Gubler Park has been in the works for about a year and a half. City managers wanted to create one that was unique and showcased the city.
Some would say they succeeded.
“It’s good for the older kids, as well as the younger kids,” said 10-year-old Gavin Clarke. “So I think it’s great.”
City Parks Director Brad Hays said the city council commissioned the design from Utah-based company Great Western Park & Playground. The design evolved to include some well-known city landmarks.
“We have represented here the original fort that was built here, Fort Clara,” Hays said. “We have the original school house built into it. The large tree house represents the trees that line Santa Clara Boulevard.”
Hays said the city council hopes that when kids play they’ll see some of the names and places depicted, and it will spark an interest into the history of the city where they live.
Parents like that the original design is both fun and educational.
“I like it because it shows the red rock of Dixie -- it kind of has the old trees that are reminiscent of the trees on the main drive,” said mom Amy Ence. “And very appropriate that we have a shade, as it’s really hot in the summer.”
Money to build the $150,000 park came out of impact fees from surrounding developments.
Gubler Park is a community park, meaning most of the work was done through community service.
The park is not complete. An empty section next to the playground is the next project.
Hays said they’re still discussing exactly what kind of play equipment to put there.
