A community partnership is bringing creative play to a Neptune Beach park. The Florida Kiwanis Foundation recently contributed $10,000 for musical playground equipment that supports children's play and also provides a unique sensory experience for patrons with disabilities.
The new musical garden, installed in Jarboe Park, features metal flowers and a memorial bench. Each flower petal and branch of the tree makes a different tone when struck by the attached gong.
This donation continues the club's efforts to donate sensory equipment to local parks. The club provided similar equipment to Jordan Park in Atlantic Beach and hopes to offer one to Jacksonville Beach.
"Sensory gardens are among the most inclusive places in the world. It takes no effort to enjoy, and the vibrations of the outdoor musical instruments can be felt as well as heard," said Atlantic Beach City Manager Kevin Hogencamp following the 2022 installation in Jordan Park.
"It's a special space where anybody, young or old, regardless of ability, can be in tune with nature and interact with each other."
The Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beaches was founded in 1946 by Ish Brant, the former coach and principal of Fletcher High School who later led the Duval County School Board. The club continues to uphold his legacy by focusing on children and child-centered initiatives across the beaches.
The club meets at noon on the second and fourth Thursday each month at the Beaches Branch Library, 600 Third St., in Neptune Beach. Nonmembers and guests are welcome at any meeting, including board meetings. www.jaxbeacheskiwanis.com
