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Crucero Park09-22-26 | Feature
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Crucero Park

Mission Viejo, California
by RJM Design Group, Inc.

Crucero Park was redesigned to modernize the existing playground and address long-standing functional issues while enhancing overall park amenities.

The Playgrounds Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Crucero Park is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

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The project included updated play equipment, shade sails, rubberized surfacing, new seating locations, and refreshed planting, irrigation, and a bioinfiltration area. A major priority was resolving significant drainage problems in the original playground; this was accomplished through regrading and replacing the sand surfacing with a rubberized system to improve accessibility, safety, and long-term performance.

The redesigned playground now serves a range of age groups, with dedicated equipment for toddlers, ages 2-5, and ages 5-12, along with a small sand play area to support tactile play. Equipment was selected to encourage inclusive and imaginative play, incorporating elements that promote physical activity, social interaction, and sensory engagement. Improved circulation and clear sightlines enhance safety and allow caregivers to easily supervise children throughout the play areas.

A second phase expanded improvements beyond the playground, extending a concrete sidewalk around the north end of the park and creating seating nodes along the expansive turf lawn. This phase also introduced new lighting and updated planting to improve comfort, safety, and usability throughout the park. Together, the two phases transformed Crucero Park into a cohesive, resilient, and welcoming community destination that supports both active recreation and passive enjoyment for families and visitors of all ages.

To see more Playgrounds projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-commercial-retail-development#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php

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