Students Dream Up Playgrounds

One boy had plans for a Ferris wheel in his playground. Another had a rocket design in mind with the title “For Kids Who Like Space.”

But after much thought and planning, only one Dream Playground will be chosen to be constructed in Santa Anita Park, 300 N. Figueroa St.

The 600 students at Dr. Edward Russell Elementary School presented their blueprints Wednesday in an assembly with the city’s Recreation and Community Services Agency.

The children, wearing orange aprons, paraded in the school playground with pictures of their plans attached to banners.

“Kids dream, and they dream big,” said spokeswoman Belem Solis. “They have no limitations.”

Officials will select one of the blueprints from the student designs by the end of the month. Construction could begin as early as Dec. 5.

Sponsors of the event were Kaboom, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization; Home Depot; and New York-based Playground Environments.

Area residents will hold fund-raisers to cover the costs of building the playground.

Information: (714) 647-6552.