By Lookout Staff

July 30, 2015 -- The City of Santa Monica wants input from the public as it kicks off its campaign to build a universally accessible playground at North Beach.

The City is inviting the public to take a quick survey online at www.santamonicaparks.org focused on how the playground would be used and favorite types of equipment found at similar playgrounds in the area.

Those completing the survey have the option of being entered into a raffle to win a family pool pack at the Annenberg Community Beach House, good for up to two adults and two children.

The survey will be online until August 16.

Located at the beach at Montana Avenue, the north beach playground will be the City’s second to be universally accessible, said Judith Meister, the City’s beach administrator

Since opening in 2013, Santa Monica’s first universally accessible playground, at South Beach Park, became an instant hit with children and families, Meister said.

These playgrounds incorporate features that integrate play for children of all abilities.

While all parks are disabled accessible as required by law, universally accessible playgrounds “take it a step further” by situating playgrounds so the disabled and non-disabled children can “interact” and play together, Meister said.

Construction of the north beach playground is anticipated to begin in 2016 with completion projected for 2017.

“A Mayor’s job is not all work and no play, and Santa Monica’s second universally-accessible playground will allow active outdoor recreation for children of all abilities,” said Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown.

“Places to play, explore, and have fun with friends and families are essential to our children’s health and wellbeing. This new North Beach playground builds on the proven success of our first universally-accessible playground to the south and makes Santa Monica’s beaches even more welcoming and special.”