New Playground To Become Local ‘Crown Jewel’

A new “one-of-a-kind” park will soon open in the Dallas area.

Construction on Farmers Branch’s new glow-in-the-dark playground has officially begun. The city held its groundbreaking event for the upcoming park on Monday, where attendees were treated to complimentary refreshments.

The new playground will be located at the southeast corner of Oran Good Park in Farmers Branch and named “Joya.” It will span over 18,000 square feet and include a variety of amenities for kids to enjoy, such as an obstacle course, glowing seating, an LED-lit spin zone, a zip line with interactive lights, a 27-foot sphere with six levels of climbing, and more.

“Using data collected from focus groups with the true ‘fun experts’ — kids — the concept for Joya was developed. Joya will be an-accessible glow-in-the-dark playground that, while fun in the daytime, will come alive at night with interactive features that glow, allowing for day and evening play,” reads a city project description.

The concept for the playground was initially approved in November 2021 by Farmers Branch’s city council members. It received $4 million in taxpayer money from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act and a grant of $750,000 from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“Joya” means “jewel” in Spanish. City officials found the name fitting as they expect the playground to become the “crown jewel of playgrounds in Farmers Branch.”

Officials claimed the park would not contribute to light pollution and would align with International Dark Sky Association (IDA) guidelines. A riparian border will also be placed around the local creek to promote harmony with wildlife and prevent erosion and the introduction of pollutants.

Deputy City Manager Mike Mashburn told WFAA he looks forward to the park’s opening.

“It is so exciting to begin construction on a first-class, all-accessible playground like Joya at Oran Good Park, a public space that kids and families of all ages and abilities will enjoy year-round,” said Mashburn.

Construction of the playground is expected to be completed before the end of 2023.