Installing Inspiration: The legacy of Charlie
Every Saturday morning in Avondale, young children are released from their strollers and run free at a small playground on Belvedere Avenue. But this tiny oasis hasn’t always been the go-to spot for the toddler set.
It was transformed in 2005 when Cliff and Christie Cosby, who upon losing their son, Charlie, just 24 hours after his birth, decided to channel their grief into something positive. They envisioned creating a toddler’s playground within sight of their kitchen window. They wanted to bring joy and children’s laughter to the neighborhood.
With the help of compassionate friends, neighbors, former City Councilman Michael Corrigan and the City of Jacksonville’s Parks & Recreation Department, their idea came to fruition in 2008. A small playground was installed, along with concrete pathways, benches and a memorial plaque.
“People wanted to help us,” recalled Christie Cosby. “We asked them to contribute to this project in lieu of flowers, and they were very generous.”
Yet, after years of daily play, the wear and tear of the little playground structure was showing. Eventually it was deemed no longer safe for children.
“This little space has gotten a lot of use,” said Cosby. “Birthday parties, family events, holiday parades – it’s like the little town of Mayberry over here.”
Recently, the pocket park received a $28,000 donation in the form of new playground equipment from Friends of Jax Playgrounds, an Avondale-based non-profit founded by Kim Clontz.
Clontz met the Cosby family shortly after the Belvedere playground was installed and was inspired by the Cosbys and their public/private partnership project.
“When I heard about their vision of creating a joyful space, something in me was triggered,” said Clontz. “I never planned to start my own charitable organization, but seeing what they did inspired me to bring new life to aging playgrounds.”
Clontz founded Friends of Jax Playgrounds in 2015 and began fundraising efforts o renovate Boone Park Playground in 2016. Since then, the nonprofit has contributed more than $450,000 to seven other city playgrounds, including Ringhaver Park which will receive a $220,000 grant from the organization, making it the Westside’s first fully ADA-friendly playground. Construction will begin in early fall.
“Christie and Cliff truly inspired me,” said Clontz. “Maybe my efforts will inspire others.”
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