By AMY H. ROBERTS
Fantastical creatures de San Gabriel, creative play, unique artistry and undeniable history combine to make La Laguna Playground one of San Gabriel’s most uniquely endearing landmarks. Affectionately known by generations of park goers as “Monster Park” or “Dinosaur Park,” La Laguna was recently named one of America’s nine coolest playgrounds by a Yahoo! Shine blog.
Things haven’t always been quite so rosy for La Laguna and its 14 amazing concrete play structures.
Inspired by artistry and in service for decades, there was a point when the park was nearly slated for demolition. Now, thanks to community advocacy and efforts by Friends of La Laguna (FoLL), a nonprofit spearheading the playground’s preservation, La Laguna has a new lease on life.
La Laguna Playground was originally designed and constructed by noted Mexican concrete artist Benjamin Dominguez in 1965. Dominguez’s unique designs not only provided many climbing adventures and inspired imaginative play, but they are astounding for their artistry, as well.
“This playground was about the only untouched example of this artist’s work remaining,” said Senya Lubisich, president of FoLL. “It was also the first time Dominguez introduced color to his concrete sculptures.”
Dominguez’s work fit San Gabriel’s Parks and Recreation Department’s desire to offer something unique to draw visitors and stir their imaginations.
The fantastical sea creatures in the lagoon-themed playground within Vincent Lugo Park have delighted children and adults alike for decades. The sand-filled lagoon is home to concrete structures, including Minnie the Whale, Stella the Starfish, Ozzie the Octopus and more.
Despite its uniqueness, La Laguna’s structures simply deteriorated over time. They failed to meet many modern, strictlywritten playground codes, and any attempts to repair structures would have triggered automatic need to comply. With the playground in disrepair and seeing no other options, the City of San Gabriel proposed demolishing the landmark in 2006.
The community outcry was immediate, galvanizing efforts to “Save Monster Park.” FoLL was formed, and the effort to preserve and restore the historical play ground began.
“The initial outcry and efforts were so fascinating,” Lubisich said. “Nearly everyone brought up how much a part of the community this playground is.”
The work to save La Laguna would not be easy — despite its being an integral part of the community — as modern playground regulations had caused the demise of many playgrounds across the country. Therefore, the effort to save La Laguna Playground would need to be creative and innovative.
FoLL chose to focus on the playground’s historic nature, a concept never before attempted. The group undertook a groundbreaking study for the preservation of playgrounds.
“The idea that a playground could be considered historic was totally off the radar,” Lubisich said. The innovative approach worked. In 2009, La Laguna Playground was successfully nominated to the California Register of Historic Places and was later designated a local landmark for the City of San Gabriel, clearing the way to save the historic play park.
The first phase of preservation restored the playground’s central piece — Lookout Mountain, with its iconic dragon slide — and the playground’s entrance. The work was completed thanks to grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation LA Fund, the Pasadena City College Foundation and the California Cultural and Historic Endowment, as well as private donations.
“We still have a tremendous amount of work to do,” said Lubisich, who noted that 12 structures need various levels of restoration and repair, from structural to more cosmetic, with Ozzie the Octopus in the most danger.
“We need everyone to get behind the project,” Lubisich said. “We also hope to partner with the city on some of the work going forward.”
FoLL may plan volunteer work days in the future. Additionally, the group must raise money for the work. Lubisich estimates it will require a $500,000 to complete La Laguna’s restoration.
FoLL accepts tax-deductible monetary donations online through PayPal. To donate or learn more, visit www.friendsoflalaguna.org.
“When I first got involved in this project, I knew my family loved the park. We just needed to determine if that love reverberated throughout the community,” Lubisich said.
With the success of the project to date, clearly residents throughout the San Gabriel Valley have embraced the effort.
“The most fun thing has been when people come up and say ‘thank you,’” Lubisich said. “The community really does love La Laguna.”
