ORLANDO, Fla. – Kids are back on the playground in Parramore after a major renovation at the John H. Jackson Neighborhood Center playground.
The upgraded playground includes new slides and swings, more shade to help families stay cooler in the summer heat, and the city’s first outdoor obstacle course.
City leaders say it is the second playground renovation completed in less than four months. The city’s goal is to upgrade 11 playgrounds over the next two years.
Rodney Williams, Orlando’s director of Family Parks and Recreation, said inspections help determine which parks are next.
“Our facilities are loved by the community. They’re a little old — but we like to say seasoned — so we want to upgrade them and bring in some new things to keep the attention of our kids,” Williams said.
The upgrades are also aimed at keeping children active at a time when many spend more time on screens.
Ryan DeVos, managing director for the Orlando Magic, said updated parks give kids a place to burn energy outside.
“It’s a lot of fun to let them be kids and burn off that energy and let them be outside,” DeVos said. “And in a world that’s so dominated by technology, it’s a great outlet for kids.”
As for kids’ favorite part of the new playground — several pointed to the same feature: what they call “the spinny thing.”