Kiwanis Club of HB restores all-inclusive beach playground

The Pirate Park playground as it is now. Photo by Chris MacDonald

Have you been to the all-inclusive beach playground on Huntington City Beach near Ninth Street at 913 Pacific Coast Highway?

The name of this sandy playground is Pirate Park for the big pirate ship slide that kids can play on. Like any beach playground, extra maintenance is needed due to high use and salt water. Estimates to bring this community gem into ship-shape are coming in around $145,000 with $120,000 funded through City of Huntington Beach Capital Improvement Projects, according to Chris Cole, facilities and events manager for the City of HB. With a shortfall of $25,000 the city looked to proud supporter, Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club to help fund the project.

Thanks to the Kiwanis fund-raising efforts, a check for $25,000 was presented to the city to help replace decks, swings, a transfer station, walls, railings, a net climber, slides, access gates and more.

“It’s an honor to see our Kiwanis presence at the park and our contributions at use,” said former Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club President Shawn Wood, who recently visited the playground to see the special one-of-a-kind park on the sand. “We want it to continue for future generations.”

Huntington Beach Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark said, “As a Kiwanis member I’m thrilled to announce this generous donation which represents not just an investment to Pirate Park, but a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents and visitors who enjoy this beautiful space. Thanks to the incredible support we can look forward to enjoying our beachfront playground for many years to come.”