Costa Mesa is upgrading amenities and expanding Ketchum-Libolt Park beginning the week of Jan, 5, 2026. The project is expected to be completed in late Summer 2026. More information about construction activities can be found in the Document Library below.

The park was dedicated in 2005 to Costa Mesa police officers James “Dave” Ketchum and John “Mike” Libolt, whose lives were lost in a helicopter crash on March 10, 1987.

Extensive community engagement, including meetings in the park and surveys, were conducted in 2023, and again in early 2024 during the project design phase. Notices were sent to neighboring residents, schools, and businesses in the surrounding area and posted on the City’s website and various social media platforms. In addition, for those who could not attend the community outreach meetings, a City-sponsored online survey was conducted to obtain additional input. Staff also contacted the Ketchum and Libolt families for input during project design phase. Park design consultants shared conceptual drawings and asked residents to choose their favorite potential park themes and elements. Several residents and their children enjoyed music, food and the City’s Mobile Rec games while voting for various elements and images used to further develop a cohesive vision of the expanded park and its amenities.  On July 16, 2024, Costa Mesa City Council approved the conceptual design plan, park theme, and park components for the proposed improvements at Ketchum-Libolt Park (see Coastal Design Option below).

Project Construction Timeline

Project Improvements include:

• New Entry Points
• Expansion of Usable Park Space
• New Play Equipment
• New Shade Shelters and Picnic Tables
• Drinking Fountain
• New Landscaping and Irrigation

Document Library

City Staff Report on Proposed Improvements for Ketchum Libolt Park (July 16, 2024)
Coastal Design Option (Approved July 16, 2024)
Award of Ketchum-Libolt Park Expansion and Improvement Project Construction (October 21, 2025)
Ketchum-Libolt Park Construction Notice (December 2025)

Please check back occasionally for updates on Ketchum-Libolt Park.