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Glow-in-the-dark playground opens in Farmers Branch
It's fun during the day. But a new park in Farmers Branch really shines at night. FOX 4's Hanna Battah got a preview of Joya -- a new all-inclusive playground that is illuminated in the evenings.
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas - Farmers Branch will hold a grand opening for its new glow-in-the-dark park this Saturday.
The 18,000-square-foot park called Joya at Oran Good Park is equipped with interactive glowing parts that allow kids to play during the day and at night.
(Courtesy: City of Farmers Branch)
The park at the corner of Tom Field Road and Valley View Lane will feature six different play areas and include a zip-line, a spin zone, swings, an obstacle course, and a 27-foot sphere all adorned with LED lights.
"In Texas, the heat can be pretty unforgiving at times. And as a parent of three myself, it was a challenge to kind of do stuff in the evening that didn't cost a ton of money. So this was as recreation shifts toward evening play anyway nationwide this sorta made sense," said Farmers Branch Deputy City Manager Michael Mashburn.
Joya, which means "jewel" in Spanish, is the "crown jewel of playgrounds," according to a statement from the city.
Construction on the park started in June 2023 after approving construction in November 2021 using $4,000,000 from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act and a $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife.
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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Farmers Branch breaks ground on glow-in-the-dark park
Crews broke ground Monday morning in Farmers Branch on what will be the country's first glow-in-the-dark playground. It will feature six different play areas, a zip line, spin zone, swings, an obstacle course and 27-foot sphere adorned with LED lights.
On Saturday, Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne and other city leaders will be among the people attending the grand opening.
The park opens at 6 p.m. and a ceremonial lighting ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m. It will stay open until 10 p.m.
The grand opening event and everyday access to the park will be free.