As concerned parents and residents of Claremont, we are deeply troubled by the current lack of priority given to our children's playgrounds in the city's budget and planning process. Despite being identified by LA County in 2016 as having deficient park amenities, our playgrounds continue to be underfunded and neglected. 

Our playgrounds are essential spaces for childhood development, social interaction, and physical activity, yet the current "like for like" playground replacement policy fails to address the diverse needs of our community and neglects the importance of environmentally friendly design principles. 

We call upon the City Council to implement the following measures:

Revise the "like for like" policy: The current policy restricts playground updates to simply replicating existing structures originally installed 60+ years ago, limiting innovation and inclusivity. We urge the City to revise this policy to allow for more creative and inclusive designs that better serve the needs of our diverse community.

Develop a playground improvement plan: We are advocating for the creation of a playground improvement plan for all Claremont playgrounds that includes:

• Increased investment in a central playground: Allocate sufficient funding for a flagship playground that serves as a model of inclusivity and sustainability. This investment should prioritize natural materials and thoughtful design.
• Innovation in design for smaller playgrounds: Foster more creative and inclusive designs throughout the remaining playgrounds to encourage open-ended play and meet the diverse needs of our community.
• Enhanced community input process: Implement a more robust community engagement strategy that accommodates parents' busy schedules and actively involves children in the design process. This strategy should include virtual forums, surveys, and interactive workshops to gather diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Commitment to sustainable, inclusive design: Let’s create a space for children of all ages and abilities by upholding our City’s Sustainable City Plan, prioritizing natural materials in playground construction and reducing reliance on plastics and toxic materials. Our kids deserve an inclusive natural playground where they can play together regardless of ability or age, fostering active and prolonged play while creating a sense of place for our community.
• Implementation timeline & funding strategy: Develop a clear timeline and funding plan for updating all playgrounds across Claremont, ensuring accountability and project completion. 

By taking these actions, the City Council can demonstrate its commitment to the well-being and development of our children, ensuring they have vibrant, sustainable spaces that foster community connection and promote healthy, active lifestyles for all residents.

Join us in demanding adequate funding and inclusive design for our children's playgrounds.