Park and Recreatiom seeks additional community support through Sunday to keep project on schedule
Additional volunteers are urgently needed this week to help complete the Castle Park rebuild and keep the community project on schedule, according to an update issued Wednesday evening by the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department.
Community members of all skill levels — including those with construction or trade experience — are encouraged to participate in the remaining days of the build.
Volunteers may drop in anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. through Sunday, April 12, at Castle Park. No pre-registration is required. Participants are asked to arrive ready to assist, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Meals are being provided on site.
The request comes as construction continues on the multi-day community build that began earlier this week. While initial participation has been strong, officials say additional help is needed to complete the remaining work within the scheduled timeframe.
The rebuild marks the next phase of a project that has been in development for several years.
Originally constructed in 1996 through a volunteer-led effort, Castle Park was designed by playground architect Robert Leathers and built by more than 1,000 volunteers. The castle-themed wooden playground became a well-known feature in the community, recognized for its towers, bridges and large play areas.
After nearly three decades of use, the original structure reached the end of its service life and no longer met current safety and accessibility standards. The City of Folsom removed the aging playground and began planning for a replacement that would maintain the park’s identity while meeting modern requirements.
The Folsom City Council later approved renaming the 2.1-acre Kids Play Park to Castle Park, formalizing the name used by residents and recognizing its long-standing role in the community.
Plans for the new playground retain the castle-themed design while incorporating updated materials, improved durability and ADA-compliant access.
The project carries a total budget of approximately $1 million and is funded through a combination of city capital funds, Measure A funding and community fundraising led by the nonprofit Folsom Kids Play for Generations.
The current construction phase relies heavily on volunteer participation, similar to the original build.
Volunteers are assisting with assembly of playground structures, while contractors have completed and continue to support site preparation work, including grading, utility installation and accessibility improvements.
Organizers say the flexible drop-in format is intended to make participation accessible for individuals, families, youth groups and local organizations during the remaining days of the build.
The project remains on track for completion later this month, with additional work to follow the volunteer build, including installation of safety surfacing and final landscaping.
City officials are encouraging residents to participate in the final days of construction to help complete the project.
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