As you might have heard, we’re currently in the process of constructing a new playground at Smith Park with the help of the Asian Youth Center, the CarMax Foundation and KaBOOM!. As part of that process, the existing playground will be deconstructed on February 19 as we prepare for Build Day. Until then, we encourage you to visit Smith Park for one final round of play before we begin constructing the new playground on March 14.

Longtime residents might know that the children’s play area was originally constructed in 1995. Smith Park was named after John F. Smith, who dedicated two acres of land at the corner of Madera Street, Broadway and Dalton Road in 1930. Since then, the park experienced several developments, including the addition of tennis courts in 1932, a pool in 1953, and a significant expansion in 2000 after a $1.8 million grant from Los Angeles County after the passage of a park bond measure.

As we continue to develop the playground, we encourage you to participate in our Build Day on March 14 to help construct a new children’s playground. Over 75 volunteers are needed to help assemble playground pieces, mix concrete and help with the overall construction process. Here’s what you need to know:

We’ll be meeting on March 14 at Smith Park from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 232 West Broadway.

• Volunteers should be ages 18 and over
  • Be sure to wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed toe shoes
  • Gloves, goggles, breakfast and lunch will be provided
  • Youth activities will be provided
  • The day will be filled with hard work and a special visit from the Los Angeles Clippers

To participate, please RSVP to Christina Alatorre at calatorre@sgch.org or via telephone at 626.308.2875.