With one already underway, fresh updates are coming to a pair of Riverside Avondale parks to bring new playground equipment for neighborhood families to enjoy.
Southern Recreation. Inc. is the contractor installing new playground equipment at Boone Park North. The incoming playground is designed for children ages two to 12 and may look familiar to residents who have visited the playgrounds at Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park or near the campground at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, as the same manufacturer is providing it.
According to Daryl Joseph, director of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Boone Park North was selected for these upgrades because of the age and conditions of the former playground, which, he said, playground “was beyond its useful life.”
“The main goal [of the new playground] was to provide a new [and] exciting play experience for families that also fit within the character of the park,” Joseph explained.
He added that Riverside Avondale Preservation reviewed the designs to collect community feedback and input for this new neighborhood amenity.
Joseph added that the new playground is the latest in a series of updates to Boone Park North, which has included a walking trail, pickleball courts, and electrical upgrades.
Joseph said the playground installation is expected to be completed this summer. The estimated cost of the project is $400,000.
Plans are also underway for a new playground at Fishweir Park for children ages five to 12. Renderings for this new playground reflect a different design and theme than Boone Park North’s, but one that is sure to bring just as much joy to children once it’s installed.
RAP Executive Director Shannon Blankinship shared the following statement regarding these community amenity upgrades:
“The playground updates will undoubtedly add to the appeal of Boone Park North and Fishweir Park as walkable destinations in Riverside and Avondale. These improvements enhance the quality of life of our neighborhood and we offer our thanks to JaxParks for leading the updates.”
