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Arts & Entertainment

Historic La Laguna "Monster" Park: One of America's Coolest Playgrounds Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

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San Gabriel's La Laguna Playground in Vincent Lugo Park is known for its 14 concrete monster sculptures on which children have climbed and played since 1965. Designed by artist Benjamin Dominguez, the playground had been slated for demolition when preservationists stepped in and saw to it the colorful sculptures were restored. Now the playground ready for a grand re-opening celebration.

Through the efforts of the Friends of La Laguna, the playground, also known as "Dinosaur Park," has been through some updates, and earlier this summer was even named one of America's coolest playgrounds.

"The dock and the famous dragon slide both received updates, but trust that the charming parts of the creature-filled playground are well intact," explains NBC Los Angeles.

The grand re-opening event, which is open to the public, will take place Tuesday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the park, and will include food trucks, live entertainment, games, and other family activities.

Dominguez' work can be seen in other area parks, including the Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove, Legg Lake Park in Whittier Narrows and Coldwater Park in Beverly Hills.

Here's a video about the park:

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