It’s a busy morning at a popular park tucked away in Ventura’s foothills. On one side of the Arroyo Verde Park, you see people with their dogs. And, you can see hikers dotting the trails in the hills on both sides of the park. It’s a stark contrast to a year ago, when it was closed due to damage caused by the Thomas brush fire.
Tom Martin is the City of Ventura’s Parks Manager. He says one key part of the park was destroyed, and hasn’t been rebuilt yet. It’s one of the park’s main playgrounds.
Martin walks us to the spot where the playground once stood. It’s just a big patch of dirt surrounded by grass
There is still some playground equipment in other areas of the 130 acre plus park, including a swing set squeaking away as some little kids use it.
Martin says while it was sad to lose the playground, the hope is to make something even better rise from the ashes. They are hoping to build the city’s first fully accessible playground, with special recreational equipment which can be used by those with disabilities.
The community is going to be asked to weigh in on the playground project, and what people would like to see in the park to replace what was lost. The meeting takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at the Wright Event Center at Ventura College.
