In Santa Ana, creativity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a catalyst for transformation, especially when powered by collaboration. The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) knows that the most meaningful park improvements come from working with the community, not just for it. That’s why PRCSA seeks innovative, inclusive ways to stretch resources, build lasting partnerships, and co-create spaces that reflect the voices and values of those who use them. A shining example of this spirit is the upcoming KABOOM! Playground Project at Sandpointe Park—a true community-driven effort uniting local government, higher education, national nonprofits, private-sector supporters, and most importantly, Santa Ana residents.
From idea to action: how a university sparked a Citywide initiative
This project began not in a city planning meeting, but with an engaging conversation with a local university. The idea from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona-College of Environmental Design: what if design and planning students worked directly with the City of Santa Ana to bring a KABOOM! playground to life? KABOOM!—a national nonprofit championing play space equity for nearly three decades—joined the conversation, and the partnership quickly grew. The potential to revitalize a local playground with educational partners became a real opportunity with the support of KABOOM! All that was missing from the idea was funding.
A surprise boost: the Pacific Life Foundation joins the team
After reviewing the idea and recognizing the City’s enthusiasm, KABOOM! came back with a thrilling development, its long-standing partner who is headquartered in Newport Beach, the Pacific Life Foundation was seeking an Orange County playground project to fund—and Santa Ana was the perfect fit. PRCSA moved quickly to secure approvals and identify a location. Access to this incredible resource paved the way for a brand-new play space in a Santa Ana park before the year’s end.
Where need meets opportunity: Sandpointe Park identified as build site
Thanks to a comprehensive Playground Priority List developed by the City’s Park Services and General Maintenance team, Sandpointe Park emerged as the ideal location for the KABOOM! build. Serving a large residential neighborhood, its aging play equipment was long overdue for replacement. By mid-summer 2025, PRCSA and the City’s Park Planning Services team had mobilized, coordinated approvals, and officially committed to the KABOOM! Project—setting the stage for a vibrant, inclusive playground designed in collaboration with the local community. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona-College of Environmental Design students will be working with PRCSA and KABOOM! towards mirroring efforts that are being made in the first playground reimaging for a future park playground project come spring 2026.
Community design day
Community members were invited to participate in a KABOOM! led design workshop to draw and provide feedback for their dream play space at a local elementary school on August 6. Ideas were used as inspiration for two playground concepts that proposed fun, unique, and inclusive equipment. A community survey was posted to collect additional community feedback on the proposed designs. Responses were evaluated by PRCSA’s project managers for final design.
Volunteer to help build Sandpointe Park’s new play structure on October 10 & 11
Mark your calendars: build week is coming
The build timeline is equally ambitious. October 10-11 have been designated as the project’s build days, with Friday, October 10 as a build prep volunteer day and Saturday, October 11 as the community’s Big Build Day and Playground Reveal Celebration. In true KABOOM! fashion, this isn’t just a construction project—it’s a community-powered event. Volunteers from Pacific Life, city staff, and Santa Ana residents will assemble the new playground by hand, one bolt and one beam at a time. It’s a high-energy, high-reward day of teamwork that will leave behind a space for Santa Ana families to enjoy for generations.
Register to volunteer: www.tinyurl.com/SASPBuildDay2025