Jackson Park Remodel Helps La Mesa Win Playful City Award for 2011

La Mesa is one of two cities in San Diego County—and only 14 in the state—to be named a 2011 Playful City USA community, city officials said Tuesday.

Encinitas was the other to gain the honor—among 151 saluted in the United States for efforts to increase play opportunities for children.

La Mesa’s recognition was the fourth year in a row.

“We completed our first renovated playground at Jackson Park last November, and design plans are under way for our second playground anticipated to be completed in spring next year at Northmont Park,” said Michele Tarbet, president of the nonprofit La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation.

As part of the partnership with the foundation, the city built a new restroom building, upgraded park lighting and improved sidewalk access to the playground at Jackson Park.

“We are more than halfway to our funding goal for It’s Child’s Play, and we look forward to even more community support for this vital project as a result of our Playful City USA award,” said Tarbet, who also is CEO of Sharp Grossmont Hospital.

“Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity for our children.”

Yvonne Garrett, assistant city manager, said: “Making play a priority in La Mesa is just one of the elements of our ‘Ready, Set, Live Well’ community wellness initiative. Creating vibrant and inviting play spaces is one of the ways we can increase children’s physical activity and begin to fight the alarming increase in childhood obesity.”

The local parks foundation is raising funds to renovate five playgrounds in La Mesa.

La Mesa plans to celebrate its 2011 Playful City USA designation with a “play day” at the annual Kids Care Fest on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa.