Calabasas in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Brandon's Village
Gates Canyon Park
This amazing playground has been made possible by the generous contributions of so many amazing people.
Brandon was born on February 9, 1994 to Dina and Michael Kaplan. It was soon apparent that he had many physical and developmental disabilities. The love and support of his family, friends, and educators have enabled Brandon to embrace his challenges and progress beyond even the most optimistic expectations of his doctors.
Brandon's physical challenges make it difficult for him to play in typical playgrounds. When Brandon was six years old, his parents discovered the Shane's Inspiration playground. Walking on the rubberized surface without falling and being able to access the equipment with minimal assistance, opened a world of new opportunities for Brandon to play with other children.
Brandon's mother brought the idea of a universally accessible playground to the Las Virgenes Special Education P.T.A. With the help of the P.T.A. and that of interested community members, her idea won the support and assistance of the Calabasas City Council. Because of the generosity of so many, the efforts of the City of Calabasas, community organizations, family and friends, the dream of a universally accessible playground has become a reality.
Brandon Kaplan inspires people wherever he goes. No one knows this better than all of those he touches. We invite you to enjoy this very special gift, where Brandon and all children, regardless of ability, can play and learn together.
Erected 2006.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2006.
Location. 34° 9.677′ N, 118° 41.536′ W. Marker is in Calabasas, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Thousand Oaks Boulevard 0.6 miles east of Las Virgenes Road, on the left when traveling east. Located in Gates Canyon Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Calabasas CA 91302, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s The Valley the San Fernando Valley, in Greater Los Angeles, and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Calabasas Schoolhouse Bell (approx. 2 miles away); Morrison Ranch House (approx. 2.1 miles away); Upper Las Virgenes Canyon (approx. 2.2 miles away); Los Angeles Pet Cemetery (approx. 2.4 miles away); The Rouse Residence (approx. 2.9 miles away); Windmill - Tilting Blade (approx. 3 miles away); Leonis Adobe (approx. 3 miles away); Plummer House (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calabasas.
Regarding Brandon's Village. Opened October 18, 2006, this is the tenth of more than 80 accessible playgrounds built around the world with the help of Shane's Inspiration.
Refurbished and rededicated October 6, 2024.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - Shane's Inspiration playground, in Griffith Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 299 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 29, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.



