West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area – Now Ready to Explore!
By City Manager Ken Striplin
A new destination playground is now open for people of all ages and abilities in Santa Clarita to explore – the West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area! The City Council officially cut the ribbon to welcome the community to the new play area this past week. I encourage you to check it out for yourself and explore all it has to offer.
This new space is the second inclusive play area that the City of Santa Clarita has built, joining the one at Canyon Country Park that opened in 2020. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, an inclusive play area is one that features elements designed to allow all children to play together, including those who may have mobility limitations or need a more sensory-friendly environment.
When you visit the West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area (24247 Village Circle Drive in Valencia), you will notice a bevy of new amenities for the community to enjoy. Take a moment to enjoy the main playground structure which offers a series of ramps in addition to stairs, allowing those with wheelchairs to access various play stations with their friends. A roller slide has been installed, which eliminates static electricity build-up and allows those with cochlear implants to slide without having static electricity discharge into their hearing device.
A We-Go-Swing and a We-Go-Round offer an accessible, no-transfer swing and merry-go-round with ample room for multiple users at once. A dual-track inclusive zipline, similar to the one at Canyon Country Park, is sure to be a favorite as well. There is also a smaller play structure for younger children to enjoy.
In addition to the play area, West Creek Park now includes an outdoor fitness zone with wheelchair-accessible stations. Next to the existing basketball court you will also find a Bankshot Playcourt, which is sure to bring out players of all skill levels for a fun and interesting challenge. A Bankshot Playcourt is a series of basketball hoops that are set at varying heights. Each basket has a backboard that may be oddly shaped or angled in a certain way and allows individuals to try out different shots and tricks to get the ball into the hoop. The Bankshot Playcourt at West Creek Park includes 13 different stations!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Inclusive Play Area includes sensory elements throughout the space that appeal to a child’s senses of sight, hearing and touch. Taken together, the amenities at this park enable children to develop their cognitive, sensory, physical and social skills in a fun and engaging way.
I was absolutely blown away walking through the West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area this past week and I hope that you and your family will add it to your list of must-visit parks.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
