The playground at Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex is closed, as of August 13, 2025, due to a full replacement and upgrad! Coming soon, a safe, ADA-compliant, and exciting playground with multiple amenities. The project is partially funded by a $67,500 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Land and Water Conservation Fund.
This new equipment supports the City’s Autism Friendly initiatives and is designed to offer a safe, inclusive, and high-value play experience for children of all abilities. The cost of this project initially exceeded the current project budget by $625,697.90, but additional funding was reallocated from several completed or surplus-funded projects, including savings from the Sports Complex parking lot resurfacing and AED installations. The additional $67,500 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is being applied, along with $381,380.72 from the General Fund balance. Although a more limited playground design was considered at the April 22, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting, the City Comission selected the enhanced option to ensure accessibility, long-term durability, and alignment with the City’s goals for high-quality recreational facilities. The project must be completed by December 31, 2025, under the amended grant agreement.