Refurbishment of the CSA Crystal Beach Playground FAQ
August 2, 2024
With the support of the Waterfront Committee, the CSA Board of Trustees voted unanimously* at the April 27, 2024, Board Meeting to approve and authorize fundraising and planning for the refurbishment of the playground at Crystal Beach, with the following requirements:
- Fits the footprint of our current beach playground (i.e., no space expansion).
- Equipment heights do not inappropriately block the view of South Shore Drive neighbors or cause additional noise.
- Fits the natural environment as much as possible (e.g., colors and materials used).
- It has enhanced safety features and meets current codes, as outlined by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Enhances the options for multiple generations to be together and engaged, including accessibility and shade enhancements.
- It is more inclusive of all children, including ADA features where possible.
- It has a strong warranty so that the playground may live on for future generations.
- Note: the water slide is not considered part of the overall refurbishment.
Bylaws:
- Given that the space is currently allocated for a playground, the Board has agreed that a member vote will not be required to replace the old playground with new structures.
- To ensure the community is involved, the Board has asked the Crystal Beach Playground Subcommittee to collect feedback during the 2024 season via community gatherings (Open Forums and Annual Meeting) formally and informally.
- The subcommittee will align with the Waterfront Committee, Building & Grounds Committee, and Waterfront Accessibility Subcommittee throughout the planning process.
Fundraising:
- The overall investment will be contingent upon the final design, reflecting community input and priorities.
- After extensive market research by the Crystal Beach Playground Subcommittee, the overall investment is expected to fall somewhere in the $200,000-$250,000 range. The final cost will be inclusive of the cost of materials, labor, permits, and everything required to install an inclusive, safe, environmentally friendly playground with a substantial warranty.
- The Playground Subcommittee will be launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign to invest in a safe, modern, innovative and inclusive playground where children and families for generations to come will have a place to learn, play, and connect. The plan will include seeking major gifts, followed by a GoFundMe campaign for the entire community.
- If you're eager to donate now, please click through to the donation form, complete and submit it along with your check to the CSA office or mail it. We appreciate your support! Note: Donations are not tax-deductible due to the CSA’s 501c4 tax status.
Timing:
- We are targeting to have a new playground installed during the late spring/early summer of 2026.
- Currently, we are prioritizing informing and educating our community about the new playground, seeking input to finalize the design, and starting to pursue major gifts.
- We will then open a GoFundMe campaign for the entire community and hold some fun, engaging fundraising events during the summer of 2025, which will allow us all to say farewell to our current beloved playscape.
Communications:
- By the end of the 2024 season, the community can expect to see a dedicated section for the playground renovation on the CSA website covering the latest on this project, additional ways to submit feedback to our subcommittee, and ways to donate online.
- Have feedback? Please share via this Google Form.
New Playground Design:
Click this link to see a flyover of the initial design renderings. The final design is contengent upon input from the community and the amount of funds raised. Click on the PLAY button (circled top right) to watch the flyover. Click here to download a pdf of the the FAQ document.
Questions?
Please reach out to the Crystal Beach Playground Subcommittee at
**Denotes BoT Liaison / ***Denotes Women’s Association Liaison
*Motions passed during the April 27, 2024, CSA Board of Trustees Meeting:
Amended Motion 1: The Waterfront Committee and Crystal Beach Renovation Subcommittee request the Board of Trustees approve and authorize the renovation of the Crystal Beach Playground and officially begin fundraising to accomplish that goal, understanding that ongoing community involvement will be a priority moving forward.
Motion 2: The Waterfront Committee moves approval of the “Fresh Start” path (i.e., a completely new and improved playground) as the initial direction of choice for the Playground Group to pursue, recognizing that engagement with the community, with the progress of fundraising, and with the evolution of design proposals will necessitate a continuing review of project direction.
