FRIENDS OF JAX PLAYGROUNDS

Friends of Jax Playgrounds is rooted in the success of renovating a neighborhood playground with 25-year-old play structures. 

In 18 months we began a grassroots marketing and fundraising campaign; coordinated the efforts of donors, city council members and parks and recreation staff; utilized a completely different playground design from KOMPAN; and created a destination playground for people from all over the city.

We had desire to bring a families together in one space. We wanted a multi-generational playground that would appeal to kids of ALL ages and encourage adults to put down their cell phones, exercise and interact. 

We surveyed more than 200 parents, grandparents and caretakers who bring their children to Boone Park. Then, we researched playground companies, their designs and the research behind their designs. We studied what play value each piece of equipment offers a child at each stage of their development. Finally we chose KOMPAN because of their shared vision that playgrounds should keep kids of ALL ages should be occupied, excited and stimulated.

Fortunately our vision was shared by the City of Jacksonville's Councilman Jim Love and Parks & Recreation. 

However, the city's budget did not allow for such a large project. So a public/private partnership was established--combining city dollars with private donations. 

With the help of incredibly generous donors including a gift from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, we raised $90,000 in donations. This was added to budgeted funds from Parks & Recreation and district funds from City Councilman Jim Love. 

The Results?

• a destination playground that brings people of all socioeconomic backgrounds together
• an after-school venue for kids to exercise as in-school physical education and recess hours continue to be reduced
• an economic boom to the area (the playground is now being included in area real estate marketing)
• a public/private project success story that can act as a catalyst for other neighborhoods