PALM BAY, Fla. – Families who want a fence between a new playground and a big pond could be getting results.
A week ago, a parent at Fred Poppe Regional Park talked to News 6 reporter James Sparvero about her fears of children getting hurt.
The playground was also designed for special needs children.
Sparvero asked the city for its response to those concerns, and this week, received the statement below from public information officer Christina Born.
“The City of Palm Bay’s Parks & Facilities Department has submitted a budget request to include playground fencing as part of the FY 2026 budget cycle. This request will be reviewed and considered alongside other competing priorities by both the City Manager and City Council.
[Watch parents express concerns about Palm Bay playground without a fence]
In the meantime, City staff have been directed to assess the current FY 2025 budget to determine whether the project could be accommodated this year using any available savings, without impacting the City’s already approved priorities. This evaluation is currently underway."
When Sparvero returned to the playground on Thursday, more families weighed in on the issue.
Parent Jerika Francis said the city’s new plans to add a fence are a good idea.
“Especially, with all the kids and stuff like that, you want it to be extra safe,” she said.
Francis said she was visiting Poppe Park for the first time, while Abe Owen said he brings his grandchildren to the playground every week.
Owen said he’s never been bothered by the lack of a barrier between the playground and the pond.
“I believe in you, keep an eye on your kids,” he said.
The grandfather stuck to his beliefs when asked about the potential of a special needs child wandering off toward the water.
“I see that as a parent’s responsibility,” he reiterated.
Francis said all it takes is one second.
“Anything can happen,” the mother said. “So, you know, you turn your back, something happens. Especially, if you have more than one kid.”
Arc Park is another in Palm Bay that has a playground next to water, but it has some sort of fencing.
For fencing to come to Poppe Park, the city says it would have to be reviewed by the city council. That is, unless they can find any available money now before next year’s budget request.