There are moments in a community’s story that remind us what makes Folsom such a special place. The rebuilding of Castle Park is one of those moments — a powerful reminder that when this city comes together, great things happen.
For nearly 30 years, Castle Park — officially known as Kids Play Park — has been more than just a playground. It has been a gathering place, a source of joy, and a symbol of what can be accomplished when neighbors work side by side for something they believe in. Built by volunteers in 1996, the original park was born from the community’s collective effort and imagination. Now, three decades later, that same spirit is alive again as residents unite to rebuild it for future generations.
Among the many residents driving this effort is longtime Folsom resident Joanne Brausch. Joanne was part of the original build all those years ago, and she has returned with the same passion and dedication to help lead this new chapter. As president of Folsom Kids Play for Generations, she’s been pouring her heart and soul into the volunteer and fundraising campaign to bring Castle Park back to life. This isn’t something she has to do — it’s something she wants to do. And she’s far from alone. Dozens of residents have joined the cause, each driven by a shared love for their city and a deep belief that Castle Park’s legacy deserves to endure.
What’s unfolding is a shining example of what community truly means. This project has drawn together residents of all ages, longtime locals and newcomers alike, each bringing something different to the table — their time, their skills, their resources, and most importantly, their heart. Neighborhood associations have spread the word. Service clubs, including the Rotary Club of Folsom, have already stepped up with support. Local businesses have offered sponsorships and in-kind help. Families are volunteering their weekends and teaching their children the value of giving back. It’s a collaboration that bridges generations and reminds us that even in a world often divided, community spirit is alive and thriving here in Folsom.
Equally important have been the residents who contributed their voices and ideas during the community workshops held throughout the design process. Those who attended helped shape the vision for the new Castle Park, providing feedback on what features to preserve and what new elements to include. The design team and city staff listened carefully — incorporating accessibility features, new climbing structures, sensory elements, and modern materials while preserving the park’s most beloved features like the dragon climber, turrets, and sandbox. The majority of the community expressed that the rebuild should honor the character of the original park while making it safer, more inclusive, and longer lasting — and that vision is exactly what’s taking shape today.
But beyond bricks, designs, and plans, Castle Park’s rebuild represents something much deeper — the strength of unity. In a time when so many communities across the country struggle with division, Folsom continues to show what can happen when people focus not on differences, but on shared purpose. There’s something profoundly moving about watching residents, service clubs, city leaders, and businesses set aside everything else to focus on one common goal: doing something good for the next generation. This kind of unity doesn’t just build playgrounds — it builds connection. It builds trust. It builds the sense of belonging that defines a strong community.
That unity can be seen in the laughter at design meetings, the pride in volunteers’ eyes, and the countless hours of unseen effort happening quietly behind the scenes. It’s reflected in the handshake between a city employee and a resident, in the generosity of a local business donating materials, and in the child who someday will play there and say, “My family helped build this.” Castle Park’s story proves that when a community works together, there is no project too big and no dream too distant.
City officials have stood shoulder to shoulder with volunteers, ensuring the park’s design reflects both nostalgia and progress. From planners and parks staff to community leaders and council members, every participant has played a role in making sure the rebuild honors its legacy while enhancing accessibility, safety, and inclusion. Their teamwork has kept the project grounded in the same values that made the original Castle Park so special: creativity, collaboration, and community pride.
That sense of pride and personal connection to the park was also clear during Wednesday night’s public reveal of the new design. One local resident shared with us that she and her family moved to the nearby neighborhood because of Castle Park — calling it a place that made Folsom feel like home and somewhere she wanted her children to grow up. Her story is one of many that show just how deeply this park means to the people who live here. It’s not just a playground — it’s part of Folsom’s identity, woven into its neighborhoods, memories, and community fabric.
It’s heartwarming to see so many people — residents, city officials, service clubs, donors, and local businesses — working together for a common purpose. Their efforts reflect the very best of Folsom: a city that doesn’t wait for someone else to act, but instead rolls up its sleeves and makes things happen. Because of them, a beloved landmark that could have faded into history is instead being reimagined for decades to come.
For those who want to be part of this legacy, there are many ways to help. Residents can make their mark on the new Castle Park by ordering a personalized brick or fence slat, each of which will become a permanent part of the park’s new design. A brick may be inscribed with up to three lines of text, 20 characters per line, for a donation of $125. A fence slat allows 22 characters for a $150 donation. These contributions not only help fund the rebuild but also give families, businesses, and organizations a lasting place in the story of Folsom’s most cherished playground.
To participate, donors simply fill out the Folsom Kids Play for Generations order form and then make their donation through the secure Zeffy page.
In addition to the brick and fence campaigns, volunteers are being recruited for the community build scheduled for February and March 2026. Businesses and organizations can also sponsor specific play features, leaving their own legacy in the park that has touched so many families over the years. Those wishing to get involved, volunteer, or learn more can visit folsomkidsplay-forgenerations.com.
The City of Folsom has worked hand in hand with its residents to make this dream a reality — a partnership that has remained steady throughout every phase of planning. It’s a model of how city and community collaboration can thrive. We are lucky to have a city that not only supports such grassroots projects but embraces them as part of its identity.
In a time when our country can feel divided, it’s truly inspiring to see an entire community come together with one unified focus: to preserve something special and ensure it endures for generations to come.
The Folsom community is fortunate to have caring residents like Joanne Brausch — people who go the extra mile not because they must, but because they care. People like Joanne not only lead by example, but they empower others to join the effort — inspiring new volunteers, strengthening connections, and keeping the spirit of community alive. Through their passion, they remind us that one person’s dedication can ignite a movement of many. And we are equally fortunate to have a city that continues to open the door to community-led projects that strengthen the ties between neighbors.
Thanks to the passion of its people and the partnership of its city leaders, Castle Park won’t fade into history as a fond memory. It will rise again — stronger, safer, and ready to inspire the next generation of children who will climb, laugh, and dream beneath its turrets.
Folsom’s heart beats through the efforts of people like these, and their work ensures that the story of Castle Park will remain one of the city’s proudest chapters — not one that ends, but one that continues to be written.
Bill Sullivan is the co-founder and managing publisher of Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC operated in Folsom, California.
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