Lathrop cuts the ribbon at 15-acre Champions Park

One of the city of Lathrop’s largest parks was dedicated this week in River Islands.

The 15-acre facility, called Champions Park, has at its heart one of the best designed and most amenity-filled playgrounds in the entire Central Valley from Sacramento to Fresno.

“Inclusive playgrounds are designed to make children feel safe and have fun, regardless of their physical condition and developmental stage,” says Susan Dell’Osso, president of River Islands.

“In this case, the implementation includes equipment, ramps and railings, and even the pavement that provides access from the parking lot to all play areas. At Champions Park, we asked our designers to take the idea to the next level and create a destination that provides positive recreational and social experiences for our children.”

Manteca is planning a similar playground in Northgate Park, funded by the city’s federal COVID relief funds.

Chad Kennedy, director of Odell Engineering, which played a key role in the design of the playground, said: “Inclusiveness means that all children with different needs and interests can have fun.”

He added: “Even the parents and grandparents will enjoy the experience because they can join in the fun with their children instead of just watching from the sidelines.”

Champions Park also includes baseball and softball fields, picnic areas, barbecue areas, restrooms and a parking lot.

The City of Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department worked with River Islands on all aspects of the park’s planning and development.