Residents Review Playground Designs for Desert Highland Park

The City of Palm Springs Department of Parks & Recreation hosted a community meeting to review conceptual designs for the new playground equipment coming to Desert Highland Park. Residents gathered to share their input on what they’d like to see in the updated play space, which will replace the current playground.

The proposed designs include play areas for children ages 2–5 and 5–12, ensuring that children of different age groups have safe and engaging spaces to play. Importantly, the new structure will also be inclusive and ADA-accessible, with features designed to accommodate children with mobility challenges. In addition, the playground will include sensory play areas to better serve non-verbal children and those with special needs.

During the meeting, residents overwhelmingly expressed a preference for Option #2, which includes vibrant climbing features, slides, and shaded play areas. One community member suggested enhancing the design with more advanced climbing structures for older children. Others inquired about the lifespan, warranty, and ongoing maintenance of the equipment to ensure long-term value for the neighborhood.

A few residents also voiced interest in adding a splash pad to complement the playground, but city staff clarified that while the idea is worth exploring in the future, the current budget of approximately $800,000 does not allow for a splash pad at this time.

The playground is being designed and built by Innovative Playgrounds Co. of Whittier, California, using high-quality products from Burke, a nationally recognized playground equipment manufacturer.

City staff emphasized that the project reflects Palm Springs’ ongoing commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and vibrant community spaces. Once completed, the new playground at Desert Highland Park will be a valuable addition to the Desert Highland neighborhood, offering children of all abilities a place to play, grow, and connect.