Spring Fest focused on fun and fundraising at JD Park
Organizers for the first Spring Fest at Jonathan Dickinson Park on May 7 had hoped for a much larger turnout, but nowhere did that dampen anyone’s spirits.
Neither did one of the warmest days of spring, especially since a park service water truck parked nearby provided a misting spray so youngsters could cool off.
Activities included a “mega-slide” and bounce houses, arts and crafts booths especially designed for children to create Mother’s Day gifts, guided river walks, live snake demonstrations, a “boot camp” challenge course, hayrides and a close-up view of life within the Loxahatchee River.
“This event actually takes the place of the former River Fest,” said Randy Hoefling, a board member of the Friends of Jonathan Dickinson Park and chairman of the event.
“It’s a fundraiser, not only for the park, but also for the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts,” Hoefling added.
The troops were selling popcorn, drinks and tickets to the “special” events: the inflatable giant slide and the boot camp course.
Lots of volunteers were on hand to help, many of them members of the Friends of JD Park.
“We really need to have more members, especially now that lawmakers are considering putting in a golf course,” Hoefling said. “We need all the support we can get.”
Although withdrawn prior to getting to the floor of the Florida legislature, lawmakers still are considering taking 250 acres of the park to utilize for a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and facilities. They have made a pitch to the Friends, but so far have been unable to garner their support.
The golf course is intended to offset the state’s revenue loss of $400,000 annually to operate the park. For more information, contact [email protected], or call 561-744-9814.
