Elm Playlot

Community Transformation

Elm Playlot is a half-acre "pocket park" located in the heart of the Iron Triangle neighborhood in Richmond, California. The park, which was once abandoned and underutilized, has been transformed through community efforts led by the Pogo Park organization.

Beginning in 2008, Elm Playlot underwent a significant renovation. The park's design and construction involved input from local residents, who planned and built many of the park's features. This community-driven approach has resulted in a space that reflects the needs and desires of the neighborhood.

Play Areas and Programming

The park offers a variety of play areas and structures for children. It includes both natural outdoor spaces and areas with manipulable objects, allowing children to engage in creative and imaginative play. The park's design aims to foster cognitive, linguistic, social-emotional, and physical development in children.

Elm Playlot operates on a "hosted" play model, with staff present to oversee the park and organize activities. The park offers free, drop-in programs and activities throughout the week, with schedules varying between summer and the school year. These programs are designed to provide stimulating and enriching experiences for children in the community.

Neighborhood Hub

The park serves as more than just a play area; it functions as a community hub, hosting various services such as a bookmobile and a farmers' market. This multi-functional approach helps to integrate the park into the daily life of the neighborhood.