TITLE:
title
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR THE RENOVATION OF MOON PARK
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DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTED BY: RAJA SETHURAMAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CONTACT INFORMATION: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER, (714) 754-5123
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff requests the Parks and Community Services Commission review and approve the conceptual design plan for proposed improvements to Moon Park, located at 3377 California Street, Costa Mesa.
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BACKGROUND:
Suburbia Park was originally constructed and dedicated in 1972 to commemorate the July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. The park included the 30-foot cratered concrete lunar dome and outer-space themed playground equipment. The park was formally renamed Moon Park in 1996, in recognition of a name residents had already been using. The name change also reflected the residents’ desire to retain the iconic lunar dome rather than remove it. Attachment 1 shows existing Moon Park playground.
The park presently features two separate play areas with playground structures. One structure is intended for children ages 2 to 5, with a combination of sand and rubberized surfacing for the play surface. The second structure is intended for children ages 5 to 12, with similar surfacing. A single tire swing is included in the play area for children ages 5 to 12. The two playground structures are in either side of the lunar dome, which is a major point of concern for parents with children in different age groups. There is a line sight issue due to the lunar dome and parents are not able to monitor both areas from one location.
The playground equipment currently in use was installed in 1996, making it one of the longest serving playgrounds in the City. Although the playground equipment and rubberized surface remain safe for use, the playground has become outdated and unsightly due to its age, with significant fading and deterioration of metal components and paint. The existing equipment provides little to no shade and is limited in play value. Overall, the playground received a rating of 2 - Poor Condition in the 2025-26 Park and Playground Assessment. The rating is described as ‘Functional, limited use, or in noticeable disrepair’.
Moon Park is an integral part of the community, providing nearby residents with recreational amenities. The proposed improvements would enhance the playground equipment adding play value, improving lighting, and providing seating options and other amenities to support the playground.
The funding for outreach and a conceptual design of the playground equipment was added by City Council in Fiscal Year 2025-26 as a Capital Improvement Project. In July 2026, the City entered into an agreement with CityFabrick and Pat West to develop a Moon Park outreach program and provide conceptual plans for review and budgeting.
ANALYSIS:
To obtain feedback from the community, the consultant team, CityFabrick and Pat West, along with City staff from Public Works and the Parks and Community Services Department, coordinated a community engagement meeting at Moon Park on Moon Day, July 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event was marketed with flyers, online and social media announcements such as Instagram and WhatsApp, direct e-mailing, direct mailing, and onsite posters.
The outreach event was attended by over 100 participants and utilized interactive poster boards with ideas and concepts such as sports courts, exercise equipment, lighting, fencing, and landscape and pathway options on which community members could vote. Over 1,800 votes were received.
In addition, the City-sponsored an online opinion survey to obtain input from residents who were unable to attend the in-person engagement. Signs were posted at Moon Park to notify the community of the survey, and notices were sent out to residents in the surrounding area and posted on social media. Over 180 responses were received over the four (4) week survey period.
Based on the input received from various community engagement activities, the consultant team and staff prepared two (2) conceptual designs for Moon Park. These were presented to the community at the second community outreach meeting held on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Attachment 2 shows the proposed conceptual designs.
Following the September 24, 2026, engagement meeting, the City’s consultant team and City staff discussed the elements most highlighted by the community surrounding Moon Park to develop an overall concept to recommend for budgeting purposes (Attachment 3). The proposed improvements build on the community’s preferred Moon Orbiter layout while incorporating the playful and active features most supported during community review. Key elements include the trail-side fence, swings, shared walking and bike path, and a multi-use court, interactive sound play and climbing mounds, a space themed playground with multi-age play area; and a fitness zone. The design enhances the Moon as a central play feature, improves visibility and safety, preserves existing trees and the park’s natural character, and introduces a broader mix of recreational opportunities for multiple generations.
The proposed concept, upon approval by the PACS Commission, will serve as the basis for a future and more detailed design process that will include additional opportunities for community engagement and Commission review.
ALTERNATIVES:
The proposed improvements were developed based on community input. The Commission may provide direction to revise the proposed conceptual design plan or recommend that staff pursue an alternative design. The recommendations from the PACS Commission will be included in future, outreach and design phases.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal review at this time.
LEGAL REVIEW:
No legal review is required for this item.
CONCLUSION:
Staff requests the Parks and Community Services Commission review and approve the conceptual design plan for proposed improvements to Moon Park, located at 3377 California Street, Costa Mesa.