Saving La Laguna's Play-Sculptures
Tax deductible
In 1965, Benjamin Dominquez, a concrete artist from Mexico completed his final playground of fantastical sea creatures at the age of 70. He described "La Laguna de San Gabriel" as a gift to the children of San Gabriel. In the past 50 years, children and families far beyond San Gabriel have found creative and whimsical play in this magical laguna.
In 2006, the playground was threatened with demolition which prompted a broad community response. Friends of La Laguna established itself as a community non-profit to protect and preserve this historic playground. In the past 11 years, FoLL has raised funds to restore several of the playground sculptures and, in 2016, listed the playground on the National Register of Historic Places. But now, Sandy, the iconic sea-serpent that snakes through the center of the lagoon is in need of emergency stabilization. Perhaps an unwitting victim of climate change, heavy rains coupled with intense heat have damaged her concrete shell and caused her re-bar frame to expand. If we do not act immediately, she will join the list of now-extinct playground features.
Your support will mean that a fourth generation of park-goers can enjoy this special place. Helping us meet our goal to stabilize and restore "Sandy" will allow grandparents and parents to bring children to this special playground and for neighbors and community members to gather in this unique space. Children will get to build their confidence as they learn to scale Sandy's spine, and magical memories will continue to pass from generation to generation.
In the age of standardized, plastic playgrounds, this playground is a defining characteristic of our city and the greater Los Angeles region. Sandy has received and given love to the children who play on her for 50 years. Friends of La Laguna would like her to have at least another 50 years of doing the same!
Funds will be used for emergency stabilization and restoration of Sandy, ensuring that she continues to be an accessible, safe, and unique experience for the thousands of people who visit her annually.
In 2006, the playground was threatened with demolition which prompted a broad community response. Friends of La Laguna established itself as a community non-profit to protect and preserve this historic playground. In the past 11 years, FoLL has raised funds to restore several of the playground sculptures and, in 2016, listed the playground on the National Register of Historic Places. But now, Sandy, the iconic sea-serpent that snakes through the center of the lagoon is in need of emergency stabilization. Perhaps an unwitting victim of climate change, heavy rains coupled with intense heat have damaged her concrete shell and caused her re-bar frame to expand. If we do not act immediately, she will join the list of now-extinct playground features.
Your support will mean that a fourth generation of park-goers can enjoy this special place. Helping us meet our goal to stabilize and restore "Sandy" will allow grandparents and parents to bring children to this special playground and for neighbors and community members to gather in this unique space. Children will get to build their confidence as they learn to scale Sandy's spine, and magical memories will continue to pass from generation to generation.
In the age of standardized, plastic playgrounds, this playground is a defining characteristic of our city and the greater Los Angeles region. Sandy has received and given love to the children who play on her for 50 years. Friends of La Laguna would like her to have at least another 50 years of doing the same!
Funds will be used for emergency stabilization and restoration of Sandy, ensuring that she continues to be an accessible, safe, and unique experience for the thousands of people who visit her annually.
Organizer
Senya Lubisich
Organizer
San Gabriel, CA
Friends Of La Laguna Inc
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
