Situated in the iconic coastal landscape of Mission Bay Park in San Diego, California, Maruta Gardner Playground is a whimsical playscape grounded in the history and culture of its beach context. The playground is the latest addition to the Mission Bay Park System and includes a half-acre playground renovation, replacement of a comfort station, new picnic pavilion, enhanced lighting, and accessibility upgrades throughout. The improvements pay homage to the surrounding Mission Bay community and the neighboring historic Belmont Amusement Park which opened in 1925.

 
At the heart of the playground is a sprawling rope climbing structure which emulates Belmont Park's iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster. Nearly one-hundred feet in length, the structure offers a multitude of ground level and elevated play opportunities. The structure is surrounded by additional play features including a play structure for children ages 2-5, individual and group spinners, rockers, and hammocks. A range of swings are provided within the playground highlighted by the ever-popular carousel swing, another reference to the adjacent amusement park.
The vibrant and whimsical color scheme draws inspiration from the colors of cotton candy and the often-brilliant sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The color scheme is intended to mesh with the seafront setting as well as stand out with the pink accents. The rolling compound arch of the picnic pavilion reflects the form of the coaster at Belmont Park.
Seating opportunities are offered throughout the new playscape, including a series of concrete chairs or "beach loungers" located around the perimeter of the space, drawing on the sandy, beachside setting. The loungers have subtle etchings reflecting the pattern of a striped beach towel. The seating is paired with fixed blue and white striped umbrellas offering respite on warm summer days. Rolling turf frames the entirety of the playground providing additional space for informal gathering.
The playground's namesake, Maruta Gardner, was a longtime Mission Beach community leader and local High School Principal. Gardner, and the Mission Beach Women's Club, launched the initial campaign to breathe new life into the playground at Bonita Cove Park. Their efforts were later folded into a larger renovation project. Gardner tragically passed away as a result of an impaired driver while removing graffiti in the community. Mayor Kevin Faulconer then pledged his support to the grieving community and the park was named in her honor.
Maruta Gardner playground is a unique and refreshing destination unlike any other play environment in San Diego. The City and design team understood the importance of the playground as a critical source of recreation, connection to place, and as a testament to the legacy of its namesake. Opening in the early stages of the pandemic, the park quickly became a bastion for families seeking opportunities for activity, social connections, and play.