Our Mission & Vision

Transforming Jacksonville Playgrounds for All

  • 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!  

Promoting Play for All Ages

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. 

Join Our Play Movement

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

 

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A Little Background

Our History

Friends of Jax Playgrounds formed in 2014 and  is rooted in the success of renovating the 25 year old equipment at Jacksonville's historic Boone Park .

Grand Opening

In Only 18 Month We:

  •  Launched a grassroots marketing and fundraising campaign,
  • Coordinated the efforts of donors, Jacksonville City Council Members and Jax Parks staff,
  • Utilized a European  playground design from KOMPAN,  and 
  • Created a destination playground for people from all over the city.

A Unique Approach

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

Our Planning Process

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.

Partnerships & Support

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


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. 

Our 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


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