South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground

Playground Paradise

At the heart of the park sits the Sunshine Playground, a vibrant, colorful play structure that children absolutely love. They've thoughtfully divided it into different zones based on age, with a special area for the little tots that keeps them safe while they explore at their own pace.

The playground is packed with climbing frames, slides, swings, and even musical instruments that let kids channel their inner rock star. Parents, you'll love that the entire area is fully fenced with a safety gate, so you can relax a bit while keeping an eye on your adventurers. Instead of dealing with mulch or sand in shoes and clothes, the ground is covered with soft, kid-friendly turf - a nice touch that makes cleanup much easier.

During the warmer months, the adjacent splash pad becomes the coolest spot in town - literally. Like the playground, it's designed with different zones: a smaller section for the 1-4 year olds and a larger area where kids 4 and up can splash to their hearts' content.

Get Your Game On

The park offers a wide range of athletic options. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of a multi-purpose turf field meant for soccer, football, or whatever game you dream up. There's also a basketball court for shooting hoops and three sand volleyball courts for those beach-style games without actually being at the beach.

If racquet sports are more your style, you'll discover dedicated tennis and pickleball courts waiting for your best shots. Skateboarders and scooter fans haven't been forgotten either - the skate park next to the playground welcomes riders of all skill levels.

For those who prefer their exercise a bit more structured, the fitness trail winds around the entire park with exercise stations along the way. It's like having an outdoor gym with much better views!

Picnic Perfect

When hunger strikes, there are several options available. The park offers six picnic shelters complete with charcoal grills - excellent for everything from family gatherings to birthday celebrations. If you're planning something special, you can reserve these spaces through the city website. Seven of the eight available cabanas come equipped with BBQ grills for your cookout needs.

You'll discover plenty of picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the grounds, many in nicely shaded spots where you can relax and refuel. Note that the center cabana in the playground area is specifically for shade and can't be reserved - it's first-come, first-served for everyone.

The park maintains four unisex restrooms that are typically clean and well-kept. Water fountains are available throughout, including some with attachments for dog bowls - because our four-legged friends get thirsty too!

Wooden sign welcomes visitors to the playground area

Photo: Erin Murphy (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Family-Friendly Features

This park is well-designed for families. The thoughtful playground design includes plenty of shade features, and many elements are wheelchair accessible, including part of the lifeguard tower structure - making fun inclusive for everyone.

Dogs are welcome across the park (except in the playground area), and waste stations are conveniently placed to help keep things clean. Parents will appreciate that the entire playground is enclosed by a white vinyl fence with just one way in and out, making it much easier to keep track of energetic explorers.

During summer, ice cream trucks often park nearby - an ideal way to cap off a day of play. The overall vibe here is consistently family-friendly, clean, and safe.

Fresh Updates

In 2021, the park received a major facelift to enhance everything it offers. The renovation thoughtfully preserved beloved features like the iconic mermaid archway while upgrading facilities and adding more shade and accessibility features.

These improvements have made South Beach Park a modern, well-equipped space with attention to detail throughout the grounds.

Location Details

You'll come across South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground at the intersection of Osceola Avenue and South Beach Parkway in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. This expansive green space offers activities for people of various ages and interests. The park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 8PM.