A park play structure that was home to countless childhood memories came crashing down into a pile of rubble this week as demolition began at Folsom’s iconic Castle Park. While the scene was bittersweet for many longtime residents, it marks the beginning of a community-driven rebuild that will soon see a new structure rise in its place—one that preserves the spirit of the original castle while meeting today’s safety and accessibility standards.
The playground, officially named Kids Play Park, has stood at 201 Prewett Drive in the Willow Creek Estates neighborhood since 1996. Best known as Castle Park, the whimsical wooden towers, bridges, and slides were designed by Robert Leathers and constructed by more than 1,000 local volunteers nearly 30 years ago. It quickly became a destination for families across the region, recognized for its imaginative design and the unique sense of place it gave Folsom.
But after nearly three decades of play, the aging wooden structures had reached the end of their useful life. Replacement parts were no longer available, and safety standards had long since changed. “This park is close to 30 years old, but that’s 15 years past its recommended life cycle,” former City Manager Elaine Andersen noted last year.
In May, the Folsom City Council approved an $81,000 design contract with Leathers & Associates—the same firm that built the original playground—as part of a $1.1 million replacement project. The city allocated $800,000 from its general fund, with the remaining $300,000 to be raised through community fundraising efforts.
That campaign is being led by Folsom Kids Play for Generations, a nonprofit group formed to rally support for the rebuild. Residents are invited to invest in the project by purchasing a personalized brick or fence slat or by making a tax-deductible donation. Not only will these contributions help fund the playground, but they also provide families with a permanent way to leave their mark on one of Folsom’s most beloved landmarks. For fundraising questions, community members can email rebuildthecastle@gmail.com. General inquiries about the park project can be directed to parkplanning@folsom.ca.us.
As demolition crews cleared the old playground, many original features were carefully saved and will be incorporated into the new design—giving the next generation of Castle Park a direct link to its predecessor. Officials say those elements, paired with new durable composite “Trex” materials, will ensure the playground retains its familiar castle theme while lasting for decades to come.
Construction of the new play structure is set to begin in October, with a community build event planned after the first of the year. The updated Castle Park is expected to open in April 2026.
City leaders have previously emphasized that the effort is about more than replacing old equipment. It’s about honoring a landmark that generations of Folsom families have cherished, while ensuring that future generations can experience the same joy and imagination in a safe, modern environment. Just as the community came together in 1996 to create the original Castle Park, today’s residents are being called on once again to help construct a new version that blends nostalgia with the promise of the future.
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