Mae Boyar Park debuts playgroundpicnic area

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers ALL SMILES—Joshua Myer, 2, of Oak Park, shares an approving high-five with his mother, Shelly, as they enjoy the swing set at the new Mae Boyer Park playground The park also was spruced up with fresh landscaping and a picnic area. Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park opened its new playground to the community last week.

The playground equipment was designed by Playworld and installed by Malibu Pacific Tennis Courts Inc. of Westlake Village. The project, including equipment and infrastructure renovations, cost $220,500.

“Mae Boyar is the oldest park in the community, and it was definitely ready for renovation,” said Colleen Janssen, an employee with the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.

The project, which began in December, provided a number of upgrades to the playground, picnic area and landscape surrounding the park at the corner of Kanan Road and Conifer Street.

The new playground is set on an orange rubberized play surface with an artsy blue lizard embedded in the center. A lizard motif on graphic panels is carried throughout the play area.

The play equipment is divided into two sections. Designed for children 2 to 5 years old, the “tot lot” features stairs, spiral slide, bucket swings and duck and turtle spring toys. The pre-teen area, which is for children between the ages of 5 and 12, includes several game panels, four tube slides and three panels interconnected by bridges.

Officials at last week’s grand opening said the new playground was designed with health and fitness in mind. Items such as a loop ladder offer children the opportunity to build upper body strength by lifting themselves horizontally from ring to ring.

“We’re thrilled that we were able to make these renovations for the children,” Janssen said. “We know that the community is going to love it and that the AM/ PM (club) kids will be especially thrilled with the new playground.”

The playground is surrounded by a new low wall which offers parents a place to sit while watching their children play. A terraced planter and eight new sycamore trees add to the park’s aesthetic quality.

Mae Boyar Park is open to the public.