Daily Pilot
Costa Mesa officials are advancing efforts to expand and beautify open space on the city’s west side, celebrating a newly renovated Ketchum-Libolt Park this week shortly after approving a community center concept near Shalimar Park.
Locals Monday recognized the transformation of Ketchum-Libolt, a one-third acre parcel at Victoria and Maple streets named for city police officers James “Dave” Ketchum and John “Mike” Libolt, who died in a 1987 on-duty helicopter crash.
Children and dignitaries alike climbed aboard public safety-themed playground equipment chosen for the site through outreach meetings with neighbors and community stakeholders.
The $2.5-million project received a shot in the arm from Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), who earmarked $1.2 million in the state’s budget toward the park plans in 2022.
“This project has been a labor of love from day one,” said Mayor John Stephens, thanking the legislator for her investment. “Our city team did a great job in creating a park that the community will be proud of while at the same time keeping the legacy of these brave police officers alive.”