Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The Town of Jupiter has developed an on-going Community Investment Program (CIP) to replace all 11 playgrounds located in Town parks. This plan will bring new equipment, more shade, and fresh experiences for everyone who enjoys our playgrounds.

The goal is to create modern, safe, accessible, and fun spaces that families can enjoy for years to come.

Many of Jupiter’s playgrounds are aging and have passed their useful lifespan. At the same time, replacement parts for these playgrounds have become either very costly or nearly impossible to obtain due to changes in manufacturing since the playgrounds were installed years ago. By renovating the parks, the Town is building for today and tomorrow in order to ensure the playgrounds are accessible and fun for years to come.

The Town of Jupiter is responsible for maintaining and renovating playgrounds within Town-managed parks only. Some parks within the Jupiter area, like Carlin Park and Riverbend Park, are managed by Palm Beach County, and others, like Alton, fall under the jurisdiction of Palm Beach Gardens or are privately owned. We focus our efforts on Town parks and evaluate them regularly based on safety, accessibility, and community needs.

Yes! The Town has already held public input sessions, including community workshops, surveys and listening sessions to hear directly from residents about what they'd like to see in our playgrounds—and that feedback is actively shaping the designs you’ll see today.

As the project moves forward, the Town will continue to offer opportunities for community involvement, including events like our Connect with Council series, where residents can share ideas and ask questions.

When initial designs for each playground become available, the Town will post renderings on its social media channels and invite additional feedback. Every comment helps us create playgrounds that reflect the needs and values of our community.

Turf surfaces offer several key benefits for playgrounds. They are more durable and easier to maintain than traditional materials, which means fewer closures and more playtime for everyone.

In addition, turf enhances accessibility, allowing children and guests with disabilities to fully participate and enjoy the playground experience.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in a variety of products for their water- and stain-resistant properties. Some PFAS have been linked to health concerns, including potential increased cancer risk, when people are exposed to high levels over long periods of time.

No. The turf we are installing, called PlayGround Turf 55^TM, is certified PFAS-free. It does not contain fluorinated polymers or other PFAS-related compounds.

The manufacturer has provided third-party testing results verifying that PlayGround Turf 55 ^TM is PFAS-free. The same product was tested during a recent installation in Juno Beach, with results confirming it met safety standards and contained no PFAS.

Safety and sustainability are top priorities for the Town of Jupiter. We chose a turf product that meets industry safety standards, provides a soft and accessible play surface, and most importantly, does not contain harmful PFAS chemicals.

Trees are a vital part of Jupiter’s parks—they provide natural shade and help keep playground areas cooler and more comfortable. That’s why the Town is preserving existing trees in our parks and incorporating them into playground designs to enhance shade and create a more enjoyable environment for everyone.

In studying our current parks and playgrounds, the Town’s Natural Resources staff have identified several trees that are dead and could potentially become a risk in the future. These trees are being removed, but will be replaced with new trees.

As part of the renovation projects, sunshades are being installed to help protect both playground equipment and park visitors from direct sunlight. These additions will help keep equipment cooler and create a more comfortable, enjoyable experience for everyone.
 

Yes! The playground renovations at Indian Creek Park will include a splash pad. The playground renovations will be completed in two exciting phases:

• Phase 1 includes a full renovation of the existing playground area. This phase is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
• Phase 2, planned for 2026, will bring a brand-new splash pad, along with the construction of a new bathroom building, adding even more fun and interactive features to the park.

These upgrades are part of the Town’s commitment to creating vibrant, family-friendly spaces for all to enjoy!

While wooden playground sets were once the norm, the industry has moved away from them for a number of reasons, including:

1. Safety Concerns: Wooden structures contain more safety issues than modern playground equipment. From splinters, to increased tripping hazards to germs, wooden structures carry a number of safety risks.
2. Short Lifespan: Wooden playground equipment has a short life span, particularly in the harsh South Florida environment. Many issues, from mold and rot, to warping, and insect infestations, can shorten the life span of wooden structures.
3. More Maintenance: Wooden structures require considerably more maintenance, which ultimately means more closures and less playtime.

Yes! All new playgrounds in the Town of Jupiter are designed to be inclusive and accessible. This includes swings that serve children of all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play safely and comfortably.

As part of Phase 2 construction at Indian Creek Park, we are installing a new ADA-compliant restroom facility to provide a much-needed amenity for park visitors. The Town is also exploring opportunities to add accessible restrooms in other parks as we move forward with future renovation plans.

We believe parks thrive when the community is involved. The Parks and Recreation Director is actively exploring the launch of an Adopt-A-Park program, which would empower residents like you to take a hands-on role in the care, beautification, and stewardship of our parks. This initiative is designed to encourage community pride and shared responsibility. Stay tuned for more details as this program develops!