GameTime Celebrates Fallen Heroes and First Responders in Temecula, California
As part of our ongoing GameTime Cares initiative, we're sharing a series of Caring Communities posts. We work with many great people to build parks and playgrounds. These are the stories of communities who care.
GameTime helps communities create custom playgrounds that reflect their local values and heritage. The newly-renovated Stephen Michael Linen Jr. Memorial Park in Temecula, CA is a perfect example. The inclusive playground honors a fallen officer and all first responders in the community.
Honoring Our Heroes
Located in Temecula, Cal., Stephen Michael Linen Jr. Memorial Park recently reopened with its new theme of public safety. The new playground honors local first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and EMTs. The park is dedicated in honor of fallen California Highway Patrol Officer Linen. A Temecula resident, Linen was killed in the line of duty in 2001.
An aerial view of the new custom playground at Stephen Michael Linen Jr. Memorial Park (photo courtesy of Temecula Community Services Department)
“Temecula’s first responders continue to be there for us in times of need. Especially during these challenging and changing times,” Temecula City Council member Zak Schwank told The Press-Enterprise. The city worked with Great Western Recreation, GameTime's exclusive representative in Southern California, to design the new park.
A custom-themed play structure honors fallen CHP officer Stephen Michael Linen, Jr. (Photo courtesy of Temecula Press-Enterprise)
The custom playground equipment includes:
- A two-story police station play tower
- An inclusive fire station climber
- Police station facade that includes Officer Linen’s badge number
The park also features a lifesize climber representing Riverside County Sheriff’s K-9 officer, Dayka. (Photo courtesy of Temecula Press-Enterprise)
Custom Inclusion
Stephen Michael Linen Jr. Memorial Park is a great example of integrating custom theming with inclusive play. Many of the themed play elements included in the design are also inclusive. The inclusive play pieces in the park include an accessible track ride, an inclusive see-saw, and playground whirl that allows children to transfer from and to a mobility device.
PlayCore designated the park as a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play. The use of best-practice research in its design was a qualifying factor in the decision. The park also features an outdoor fitness area for adults which was also named a National Demonstration Site for adult fitness.
Committed to Communities and Custom Play
GameTime is committed to providing custom, inclusive play opportunities for every community. The renovation of Stephen Michael Linen Jr. Memorial Park shows how communities can combine inclusive play with a custom design. Interested in bringing custom-theming or inclusive play to your neighborhood? Contact your local play expert today or download our custom spaces catalog.