Refurbishment of the CSA Crystal Beach Playground FAQ
August 14, 2025
Quick Links:
See Equipment: Click this link to see the equipment
Provide Feedback: Please share via this Google Form
Donation Form: Please click through to the donation form
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 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, a $200,000 fundraising goal has been set. 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 has launched 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 includes seeking major gifts, potentially followed by a GoFundMe campaign for the entire community.
- We invite everyone who wants to support the refurbished Crystal Beach playground to contribute in any way they can, no matter the amount. The goal is to cultivate a sense of community ownership and collective pride in the playground’s creation. Toward that goal, some families are choosing to make multi-generational donations to share in the joy of giving and take pride in helping to create a lasting legacy.
- 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! If you want to talk with someone regarding a donation, contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 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. But that is dependent on a number of variables, including fundraising, equipment availability and Board of Trustee decisions.
- 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.
- If needed, we will then open a GoFundMe campaign for the entire community.
Communications:
-
See the newest equipment on posters in the Assembly building and a banner at the Crystal Lake playground.
-
This playground website section displays the latest playground design, other project information, ways to submit feedback to our subcommittee, and how to donate.
New Playground Design:
Based on helpful feedback received from the community in the 2024 season, the subcommittee made multiple improvements to the playground design and cost, including:
- A new equipment line that has a much more natural look to blend in with our Crystal Lake beach, and new equipment selections.
- We eliminated a rope climbing piece of equipment due to community concerns about safety. Instead, we have incorporated multiple climbing features in several pieces of equipment. The centerpiece “Discovery Tree Climb” has four climbing features, along with two platforms and a fun winding slide.
- We have reduced the cost. While playground equipment that will last for multiple generations is expensive, we were able to reduce the cost by at least $50,000 versus the playground design last summer.
Click this link to see the equipment. At their November meeting the Board of Trustees will decide on the direction of the playground, next steps and timing, based upon community input and the amount of funds raised.
Want to provide feedback? Please share via this Google Form.
Questions?
Please reach out to the Crystal Beach Playground Subcommittee at
**Denotes BOT 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.
