Folsom Parks and Recreation calls for urgent community support Saturday, Sunday as build continues through wet weekend
Under gray skies and steady rain, volunteers returned to Castle Park on Friday, working through soaked conditions to keep construction moving on the community rebuild of one of Folsom’s most iconic playgrounds. With the final days of the build now underway, Folsom Parks and Recreation is urging more residents to come out this weekend as additional help is needed to complete the project.
The scene Friday reflected both progress and urgency, as volunteers continued assembling major portions of the playground structure despite wet conditions that made the work more challenging. Rain fell at times throughout the day, but crews remained on site, fastening beams, positioning components and working in coordinated teams to keep the project moving forward.
With weather expected to remain a factor and the timeline tightening, Folsom Parks and Recreation is making a direct appeal to the community: more volunteers are needed immediately to help complete the build and keep the project on track.
“The weather may be a little wet, but the community spirit is unstoppable,” Frankie Nelson told Folsom Times, noting that volunteers continued working through the rain to maintain steady progress on the site.
That progress, however, will depend on additional participation in the final days of the effort.
“We urgently need more volunteers to keep the Castle Park rebuild on track,” Nelson said, emphasizing that individuals of all skill levels — including those with construction or trade experience — are encouraged to take part.
Volunteers can 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, while meals are being provided on site.
“Rain or shine, the build continues,” Nelson added, reinforcing that weather conditions will not stop the effort but may require additional help to maintain the construction schedule.
Friday’s turnout demonstrated that commitment, as volunteers worked steadily through the rain to continue building out the structure. Large sections of the new playground are now visible, with framing and key components taking shape as the build progresses.
The rebuild is part of a multi-day community construction effort that began earlier this week and is designed to mirror the volunteer-driven approach used to construct the original park nearly 30 years ago.
As previously reported in Folsom Times’ continued coverage of the project, Castle Park was originally constructed in 1996 through a large-scale volunteer effort. Designed by playground architect Robert Leathers and built by more than 1,000 volunteers, the castle-themed wooden playground became a defining feature of the community, known for its towers, bridges and expansive play areas that served generations of local families.
For nearly three decades, the park functioned as a central gathering place for families, hosting everyday play, community interaction and milestone moments for children growing up in Folsom.
After years of use, the original structure reached the end of its safe lifespan and could no longer meet modern safety and accessibility standards. The city removed the aging playground and began a multi-year process to design and fund a replacement that would retain its identity while meeting current requirements.
That effort included formally renaming the site Castle Park and developing a design that preserves the signature castle theme while incorporating updated materials, improved accessibility and long-term durability.
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.
Hundreds of volunteers have already taken part throughout the week. Earlier in the process, more than 200 individuals signed up, filling nearly 150 shifts, while more than 2,000 additional volunteer shifts remained to complete the full six-day build.
Volunteers are assisting with the assembly of playground structures, working in coordinated groups under guidance to construct key elements of the park.
Behind the scenes, extensive site preparation work has already been completed to support the build. That work includes grading of play areas, installation of utility infrastructure and replacement of non-compliant sidewalk sections along Prewett Drive to meet ADA standards.
Utility extensions for electrical service, potable water and a future restroom facility have also been installed, allowing flexibility for future park improvements and addressing commonly raised community needs.
Following the completion of the community build, additional work will continue, including installation of poured-in-place safety surfacing, engineered wood fiber and final landscaping adjustments before the park opens to the public.
City officials are continuing to target an April opening, dependent on completion of the remaining work.
With the final days of construction now underway, Folsom Parks and Recreation says the need for volunteers remains immediate.
“This project is about bringing Castle Park back to life,” Nelson said.
The drop-in format allows individuals, families, youth groups and organizations to participate at any point during the remaining construction window.
Construction will continue through Sunday, with organizers emphasizing that each additional volunteer helps move the project closer to completion.
Nearly 30 years after the original volunteer build, the same model is once again being relied upon to complete the project.
And as the rebuild enters its final stretch, the message from organizers remains clear: rain or shine, more help is needed to finish the job.
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