Inclusive Playground Unveiled at Wakulla Springs State Park by Florida State Parks Foundation and Duke Energy Florida
The Florida State Parks Foundation, in collaboration with Duke Energy Florida and the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, introduced a new, accessible playground at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park near Tallahassee yesterday. Situated close to the park’s beachfront on the Wakulla River, the playground features various accessible play elements and a broad path for mobility devices. Its centerpiece is a large glider designed to resemble the park’s iconic river tour boats.
“It brings me great joy to see a replica of the Wakulla Springs boat and all the other fun playground features,” said Kathleen Brennan, president of the Florida State Parks Foundation board of directors. “Thanks to Duke Energy Florida and the dedicated Friends of Wakulla Springs, this beautiful new playground will bring joy to many children for years to come.”
The total cost for playground materials and installation was $72,204. Duke Energy Florida contributed $44,000, the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park provided $15,000, and the Foundation covered the remaining costs. The playground is accessible during regular park hours and is included with park admission.
Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation, remarked, “The Foundation continually seeks to enhance accessibility in our state parks, and we are proud to contribute to the creation of this inclusive playground for all children visiting Wakulla Springs.”
This project marks the latest collaboration between the Foundation and Duke Energy Florida to enhance state parks. Over recent years, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation have donated over $300,000 for state park projects, including all-terrain wheelchairs, an emergency response trailer for the Florida Park Service, and more than 100 water bottle refilling stations statewide.
“Creating vibrant communities requires hard work, strategic investments, and collaboration with key organizations,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are proud to support the Florida State Parks Foundation’s efforts to protect and enhance Florida’s treasured parks and expand access to outdoor recreation.”
Last year, the Foundation also introduced the “Great Blue Heron” hybrid-electric tour boat at Wakulla Springs State Park, featuring an extended dock ramp and wide spaces to accommodate mobility devices.
“We are committed to providing inclusive recreational experiences for all of our visitors, and we are so pleased to offer these new accessible features at Wakulla Springs,” Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher said. “This new playground will create fun park memories for our youngest guests, and we hope that it will help inspire a lifelong love of Florida’s natural resources.”
The Florida State Parks Foundation, initially established as Friends of Florida State Parks in 1993 and rebranded in 2018, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to support the Florida Park Service, which oversees 175 award-winning parks and trails, local Friends groups, and more than 20,000 park volunteers.
The Foundation achieves its mission through various programs focused on preserving and protecting state parks, educating visitors about their value, promoting community engagement and active park use, and advocating for their continued support. These initiatives are carried out through the Florida State Parks Foundation Services LLC, an affiliated limited liability company.
The Foundation's volunteer board of directors comprises individuals from both private and public sectors, representing local and statewide interests.
“It brings me great joy to see a replica of the Wakulla Springs boat and all the other fun playground features,” said Kathleen Brennan, president of the Florida State Parks Foundation board of directors. “Thanks to Duke Energy Florida and the dedicated Friends of Wakulla Springs, this beautiful new playground will bring joy to many children for years to come.”
The total cost for playground materials and installation was $72,204. Duke Energy Florida contributed $44,000, the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park provided $15,000, and the Foundation covered the remaining costs. The playground is accessible during regular park hours and is included with park admission.
Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation, remarked, “The Foundation continually seeks to enhance accessibility in our state parks, and we are proud to contribute to the creation of this inclusive playground for all children visiting Wakulla Springs.”
This project marks the latest collaboration between the Foundation and Duke Energy Florida to enhance state parks. Over recent years, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation have donated over $300,000 for state park projects, including all-terrain wheelchairs, an emergency response trailer for the Florida Park Service, and more than 100 water bottle refilling stations statewide.
“Creating vibrant communities requires hard work, strategic investments, and collaboration with key organizations,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are proud to support the Florida State Parks Foundation’s efforts to protect and enhance Florida’s treasured parks and expand access to outdoor recreation.”
Last year, the Foundation also introduced the “Great Blue Heron” hybrid-electric tour boat at Wakulla Springs State Park, featuring an extended dock ramp and wide spaces to accommodate mobility devices.
“We are committed to providing inclusive recreational experiences for all of our visitors, and we are so pleased to offer these new accessible features at Wakulla Springs,” Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher said. “This new playground will create fun park memories for our youngest guests, and we hope that it will help inspire a lifelong love of Florida’s natural resources.”
The Florida State Parks Foundation, initially established as Friends of Florida State Parks in 1993 and rebranded in 2018, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to support the Florida Park Service, which oversees 175 award-winning parks and trails, local Friends groups, and more than 20,000 park volunteers.
The Foundation achieves its mission through various programs focused on preserving and protecting state parks, educating visitors about their value, promoting community engagement and active park use, and advocating for their continued support. These initiatives are carried out through the Florida State Parks Foundation Services LLC, an affiliated limited liability company.
The Foundation's volunteer board of directors comprises individuals from both private and public sectors, representing local and statewide interests.
Companies