Groundbreaking For LEO's Haven, Chanticleer Park

From The County of Santa Cruz: The County of Santa Cruz, the Chanticleer Park Neighborhood Association and the Santa Cruz Playground Project invite the public to a very special groundbreaking and festival to celebrate the completion of fundraising for Chanticleer Park and LEO's Haven, the County's first inclusive playground for children of all abilities.

Official ceremonies will kick off Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m., followed by a family- oriented festival until 2 p.m. featuring oversized lawn games, pumpkins, music, craft stations, a book giveaway and a picnic area. Food trucks with a variety of tasty options will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase food and beverages.

Special guests include Assemblymember Mark Stone, Supervisor John Leopold and other Board members, County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios, Parks Director Jeff Gaffney and Patricia Potts and Mariah Roberts, two local moms who raised nearly $2 million in private funding to help pay for the park – constituting the largest private donation for a park in County history. The County has secured several grants to fund its commitment to Chanticleer Park and LEO's Haven. To cover the balance, the Board of Supervisors has prioritized funding from Measure G, a half-cent sales tax that would apply in the unincorporated area and which goes before voters in November. LEO’s Haven was inspired by Lauren, Evelyn and Oliver Potts, and was designed by Shane's Inspiration, a global leader in creating inclusive playgrounds and programs where children of all abilities can play together. For more information, go to www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org.

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