The Playa Grande Community Park

The Playa Grande Community Park is a neighbor-led initiative created to provide our community with a safe, inclusive, family-oriented space that promotes well-being, pedestrian mobility, and community connection.
What began in 2019 as a vision to create a recreational space for local children has evolved into a comprehensive project backed by the Asociacion Playa Grane Sostenible and the Playa Grande community.
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2019–2020: Initial proposal submitted to the Municipality of Santa Cruz to designate a public lot for the park.
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2021–2023: Strategic shift toward a community self-management model. After navigating complex bureaucratic processes and working with local authorities, formal construction permits were granted in late 2023.
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2024–2025: Site preparation (earthmoving and water connection). Professionalization of architectural and engineering designs after 12 months of work to ensure a safe, high-quality project.
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2026: Construction quote evaluations. The committee launched a technical redesign phase to optimize resources and bring the final budget under $250,000 USD. We have also renewed the construction permits.
Thanks to the committee's leadership and active neighbor support, Phase 1 has reached major milestones, including the community workday on August 8, 2026. More than 40 volunteers—children, parents, and neighbors—came together to:
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Install the official Playa Grande Community Park sign.
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Build the pump track (earthwork).
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Sand, paint, and restore outdoor furniture using timber repurposed directly from the lot.
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Clear and landscape the surrounding green areas.
The project operates under strict standards of financial accountability, supported directly by community donations.This park isn't built by a single person or institution; it is built by a united community. We invite you to get involved by:
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Volunteering at upcoming community workdays.
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Making financial or in-kind donations.
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Sharing connections, sponsorships, or fundraising ideas.
Organizing Committee:
Matthew Laskowski, Felipe Volio, Alex Bidorini, Federico de Mezerville, and Gonzalo Ortuño.
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