Summer is here, which means the season of park and play are at its peak!
This July marks the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) 40th annual Park and Recreation Month campaign, and the City of Santa Ana got an early start to this year’s theme “Build Together, Play Together” by opening its newly renovated all access park! Each July, park and recreation professionals are recognized for their contributions as community services
are essential to community health and wellbeing. Park and recreation programs help cultivate lifelong friendships, memories, and family bonds that people hold dear for decades.
On March 4, 2025, the city’s Public Works (PWA) and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agencies (PRCSA) proudly unveiled the George Upton All Access Park located within Carl Thornton Park. As part of the City’s 2022 Park Master Plan, which focuses on maintaining and revitalizing existing park spaces, the park received a fully accessible redesign while preserving elements of the original landscape. The redesign ensures that children of all physical abilities can enjoy outdoor recreation in an inclusive environment.
Originally named the Kiwanis Barrier-Free Playground, the site opened in 1995 with the goal of providing an accessible space for children with physical limitations and special needs. The playground’s development was largely driven by George Upton, a renowned philanthropic activist and dedicated community leader. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Upton became deeply involved in various local ventures. Some of his accolades include serving as the President of the Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library, teaching boating andnavigation at Santa Ana College, and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club. Upton was honored as the Kiwanian of the Year in 1982 and served as President from 1995 to 1996. His passionate advocacy to improve the lives of special needs children in Santa Ana has earned him the honor of having the park named after him.