By Lookout Staff

July 26, 2011 – A playground for all children of all abilities is moving from dream to reality in Santa Monica.

After years of advocacy by Santa Monica’s Disabilities Commission and Recreation and Parks Commission, the public is now being asked to help design a universally accessible playground on the beach.

“We are thrilled to kick off the universally accessible playground project,” says Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom.

“This playground creates an amazing space for kids of all abilities to connect with each other and play,” says Bloom. “Locating Santa Monica’s playground at the beach has the added bonus of giving kids with a disability an opportunity to more fully enjoy the beach.

“Any time we’re able to make Santa Monica State Beach more accessible, it’s a win for us all.”

A Design Open House on Saturday, July 30th, beginning at 10 a.m. in the East Wing of Santa Monica Civic Auditorium will kick off the community design process.

At this first “blank-slate meeting,” representatives of Katherine Spitz Associates will explain the concept of universal accessibility and the opportunities it presents.

It will be the public's first chance to meet and share their ideas for the new playground on Santa Monica State Beach.

The community is also encouraged to participate in the project through the e-workshop located online at www.facebook.com/smbuap.

The Civic Auditorium is served by Big Blue Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and Rapid 3. Parking in the adjacent lot will be validated for workshop attendees.

To request a disability-related accommodation for this workshop, please email ccs@smgov.net or call 310-458-8310 by July 26.