If you've got kids ages 10 and up, I've got something special to share with you. Folsom's beloved Castle Park playground is getting a complete rebuild this spring, and your family can be part of it.
The city closed the original Castle Park playground last fall after nearly 30 years of service. The wooden structure next to Oak Chan Elementary School simply didn't meet current safety standards anymore. But here's the exciting part: the community is coming together to rebuild it, just like volunteers did when they first constructed the castle-themed playground back in 1996.
The rebuild is scheduled for April 7–12, 2026, during Folsom Cordova Unified School District's spring break. That timing isn't an accident. The city specifically chose those dates so families and students could volunteer together.
"This is a way to do what we did back in 1996 and really bring the community together," Folsom Mayor Rosario Rodriguez told CBS Sacramento.
The project has serious backing. The total budget exceeds $1 million, funded through City of Folsom capital funds, Measure A funds, and community fundraising led by the nonprofit Folsom Kids Play for Generations. Additional donations and partnerships are filling out the rest.
The new design honors the original castle-themed footprint that generations of Folsom kids have loved. But instead of aging wood, you'll see safer materials, modern play equipment, and improved accessibility for children of all abilities. It's about keeping what made Castle Park special while making it work for today's safety standards and ensuring every child can play there.
If you're thinking about volunteering, here's what you need to know: kids must be at least 10 years old to participate. If your child is between 10 and 13, you'll need to join them as a parent or guardian. It's actually a pretty great opportunity to work alongside your kids on something meaningful for the community.
"This will reflect our community… it's been designed by the community, it's being built by the community, and really for the community," Mayor Rodriguez told CBS Sacramento.
Castle Park has been more than just a playground for Folsom families. As the city put it in their announcement, "For nearly 30 years, Castle Park has been a place for imagination, play, and community connection." That's not marketing speak—it's what I hear from neighbors who've watched their kids grow up playing there.
Chris Ricciardi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pacific Park and Playground, told CBS Sacramento that "People have such pride in this park, and not just in Folsom, but in the entire region." That regional recognition speaks to how special this playground has become.
The city is targeting an April 2025 opening for the rebuilt park, aiming to transition quickly from demolition to rebuild and get it back open to the public by the end of the month. That's an ambitious timeline, but with over 1,000 volunteers expected based on the original build, it's achievable.
If you're a homeowner considering Folsom, or you're already here and wondering about the neighborhood amenities that make this city special, Castle Park is a perfect example. This is a community that shows up for its kids and invests in the spaces where families gather.
The city has formally invited residents to "help build the next chapter of Castle Park." Registration details for volunteer shifts will be available through Folsom Parks & Recreation as the April build week approaches. Whether you're looking to give your kids a hands-on community experience or you just want to be part of something that'll serve Folsom families for the next 30 years, this is your chance to literally build something that matters.