A playground designed to be accessible for children with disabilities is seeking community support in Modesto. The Awesome Spot, a project more than ten years in the making, still needs to raise about $5 million before it can open. An event on October 18 will allow the public to tour the site and learn more about the initiative.
The playground is located on two fenced acres at the northeast corner of Beyer Community Park. Its total cost is projected at $8.5 million, reflecting both its large size and features intended for children with physical and mental challenges.
“It’s a playground for everyone,” said Rachel Loredo, who began planning the project after her son, Tommy, encountered barriers at local play areas. “There’s just so much thought and care that’s gone into the design and why we’re putting certain pieces of equipment into the playground.”
The planned facility will include sections modeled after a rainforest, savanna, and swamp. It will be free and open to all members of the public.
Initial estimates in 2016 put costs at $1 million with hopes to open by 2017. As plans developed, this rose to $2.5 million by 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic then slowed fundraising efforts while inflation increased prices for construction materials and labor.
Craig Harris, a committee member and general contractor, noted that typical projects now cost twice as much as they did in 2020 due to these pressures.
Rather than opening in phases, organizers want visitors’ experiences to flow through each themed section seamlessly. The committee has arranged for about $1.7 million worth of parking spaces and concrete paths funded by an agreement with the city of Modesto.
Private donations have reached an additional $3.5 million—some provided as services like engineering or paving work—and local businesses such as Modesto Toyota have sponsored specific features.
Harris stated that if fundraising goals are met soon, construction could finish within nine months since some elements are already ordered or installed.
Loredo was inspired by visiting inclusive playgrounds elsewhere in California; she hopes The Awesome Spot will attract families from neighboring counties as well.
On October 18th, during Kids Play Fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., attendees can view progress at Beyer Park and participate in activities including live music, skateboarding demonstrations, bicycle safety lessons, emergency vehicle displays, and food vendors. Donations can also be made through The Awesome Spot website.
Naming rights for the entire playground remain available for a donor contributing $500,000; smaller sponsorships are also sought. Recycling events contribute minor funds from redeemed cans or bottles.
Rachel Loredo addressed concerns about delays: “We want people to know that it’s still rolling,” she said. “It hasn’t stopped.”
