Why we're here...

Friends of Jacksonville Playgrounds is dedicated to creating and improving playgrounds and opportunities for play throughout Jacksonville. We bring together neighborhoods, donors and community partners to help make great places to play a reality.

A neighborhood desperately needs an updated playground;
A donor wants to contribute;
A government agency or organization needs a leader.

Friends of Jax Playgrounds' focus is to coordinate components and the various constituents involved to bring a playground dream to fruition. We envision Jacksonville playgrounds filled with children, tweens and teens who are physically engaged, challenged and having fun!

Our Inspiration

Let's Give Children (and Adults) More Play

The American Academy of Pediatrics says it best:

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. And, it is important to healthy brain development.

Let's Get Started

If you're equally passionate about play and the benefits to children, let's talk and build a playground together!

A Little Background...

History

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

Boone Park in Summary

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.

Why This is Different

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.

Laying the Groundwork

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.

Who Needs to Say Yes?

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.

Thank you Visionary Donors!

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

Now It's Your Turn