Even the adults couldn’t help getting in on the action at the grand re-opening of the Sinsheimer Park playground as city officials took turns on a long slide down the hillside.
“How awesome is this? How exciting is this for San Luis Obispo?” City Manager Derek Johnson said to the crowd during the Nov. 16 event. “This was partially funded through the local revenue measure, so these are your tax dollars hard at work making a difference.”
Sinsheimer is one of the oldest of San Luis Obispo’s 33 parks. It was opened in 1970 and a playground was installed in 1993. Instead of replacing the outdated play equipment several community meetings called out a need for a destination playground more fitting for the Sinsheimer complex. Sinsheimer also features a pool complex, baseball stadium, softball field, and tennis courts.
The new playground features a large multi-slide centerpiece that resembles a fun robot from space. There is a grassy hill that allows children to slide down on pieces of cardboard. There is a climbing wall, a snowboard simulator, a zip line and swings. The ADA-accessible playground also includes new picnic tables and benches, walkways, trees, water fountains and water filling stations.
City officials celebrated the opening of the park with a ribbon cutting and barbecue for attendees. Johnson acknowledged the contributions multiple companies involved in the project. The Lions Club of San Luis Obispo donated a refurbished fiberglass lion that serves as a whimsical drinking fountain for young kids.
Elise Villa bashfully posed next to the lion fountain at the direction of her father, John Villa, president of the local Lions Club and owner of Villa Automotive. Elise spent two and a half days airbrushing the large lion in time for the event at her father’s shop where she works.
By Justin Stoner
