JOHN MONTANCHEZ speaks at dedication of new playground equipment at Garden Grove Park (Tribune photos).

By Jim Tortolano /Orange County Tribune

The present met the past Tuesday afternoon when the new playground complex at Garden Grove Park was opened to the public. 

PLAYGROUND PIONEER comes in for a landing.

Inspiration for the design of the equipment came from the site’s former use as a Navy airstrip during World War II and later a commercial airfield.

The playground includes aircraft and space travel themes, the latter reflecting one of the original pieces at the park – a  rocket ship slide – when it opened more than a half century ago.

“We decided to pay tribute to both, the rocket ship slide with a modern rock ship slide and the planes that used to land here with a plane play structure,” said John Montanchez, director of community services.

It’s all part of a major $1.3 million improvement in Garden Grove’s biggest recreation area. Also new is a large pavilion and three new picnic shelters, all linked with lighted walkways accessible to disabled patrons. 

Once the speeches were made and the ceremonial ribbon cut, the kids in attendance were turned loose to enjoy the community’s latest and – most uplifting – place for youngsters to have fun.