Calexico Park Makes Life Better

Honoring a Hero With a Park For All

Honor and Service

Adrian Cordova is a hero. He served his country when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating high school. When his tour ended, he served his community with the Calexico Police Department for nearly four year years until his watch tragically ended on November 1, 2007. The City of Calexico wanted to honor Adrian’s service with a park that would serve the entire community  

We visited the inclusive playground at Adrian C. Cordova Park during our Parks Make Life Better Tour and saw firsthand the community’s commitment to serve children and families of all abilities. Made possible, in part, by the education and funding they received from the CPRS Healthy Play Statewide Initiative with PlayCore and GameTime, the park is a lasting tribute to Cordova’s life of service.

Lewis Pacheco - Mayor, City of Calexico “This is a model playground for any community because it’s including everybody.”
Stephanie Stephens - Executive Director, California Parks and Recreation Society "Play brings communities together. We’re excited to share how Parks Make Life Better®, share state-wide training, and help local communities put research into action!”
About Calexico and Adrian C. Cordova Park

A Growing City

Calexico is a community of approximately 42,000 people. The population has grown every year since 1920. 

A Place for Families

More than half the households in Calexico include children under the age of 18. Creating a space for families to gather together for play and recreation was important to community leaders.

Play for All Ages and Abilities

The playground at Adrian Cordova Park was designed using Me2®: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design®. Published by PlayCore, in partnership with Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities, Me2 is a comprehensive guide for designing play spaces for people of all abilities.

National Demonstration Site

Because city leaders designed the site using the guidelines in Me2® to create a play environment that serves the needs of all people to the greatest extent possible, PlayCore designated the park a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play. Learn about National Demonstration Site designations at playcore.com/nds.

2018 CPRS Parks Make Life Better Tour Learn More