Located just blocks away from the beach, Jarboe Park is not only a local favorite because of its great location, Jarboe Park is beloved among locals because of the wide range of amenities. The park boasts of two playgrounds, 8 pickleball courts, 2 tennis courts, and a walking trail, all surrounding a small lake. It is also home to The Neptune House, a multi-purpose community building available to rent for parties up to 100. External to The Neptune House are bathrooms and water fountains. Other unique features about Jarboe Park include a community garden, butterfly garden, and a historical former Girl Scouts Beaches Little House.
Playgrounds at Jarboe Park
Both newly renovated playgrounds feature Kompan equipment, built and backed by research with children’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and creative skills in mind. The playgrounds have unique spinners, swings, and seesaws that provide fun for all abilities. One playground is more suitable for littles, while the other playground includes larger equipment providing fun for the big kids. There are a few shaded spots on both playgrounds but they are fairly open and sunny. Both playgrounds are mulched so be sure to pack appropriate shoes and sunscreen.
Pickleball Courts and More!
While the playgrounds impress the kids, it is the courts that catch the attention of the adults. Situated under ample lighting are the pickleball and tennis courts that see action from 7am – 9pm. All courts offer open-play and are not available to reserve. Jarboe Park also hosts a Gaga Ball pit. Gaga Ball is a high energy game, similar to dodgeball Check out the octagonal pit just past the smaller playground.
Past the courts and playgrounds are two hidden gems of the park, the butterfly garden and the pavilions. Cross the lake to find two smaller pavilions that provide respite from the sun and a good view for watching the excitement from afar. The pavilions are available on a first-come first-served basis. Continue down the path to find a green ivy archway; walk through to find flowers and plants attracting butterflies of all kinds. There are two hand-painted benches where you can sit and enjoy nature at work.
The park is also home to a community garden. While not open to the public to browse, the community can rent plots for a small fee. The gardens are also available for children’s events, field trips, tours, and more. Get in touch with the Beaches Organic Community Garden to learn more.
Plan a Visit to Jarboe Park
Jarboe Park is close to both the Beaches Town Center and the heart of Jacksonville Beach, offering families a variety of options for a snack before or after a visit, depending on where you want to spend the rest of the day. Visit the park at 510 Florida Blvd in Neptune Beach. There is plenty of designated parking, situated closest to the pickleball courts and furthest from the playgrounds.
Callie is a Northern Virginia native, Sunshine Park regular, mom of a toddler and four-legged pre-teen, and golf wife to her husband who is the house favorite. They moved to Jacksonville from the DC area in December 2018 and trading the beltway for the beaches was the best decision of their dog’s life. She spends weekdays working in marketing and weekends working as the activity planner in search of the best nap-inducing events. This typically consists of beach in the morning, soccer and splash pad in the second morning, pool after lunch, Target, and golf carting to get Mayday in the evenings. During the moments to herself she’s listening to podcasts, watching Bravo, laughing at Tik Toks, or adding to cart. She prefers her Roundbird iced and my TacoLu “dilla” style. And if you ever want to discuss niche 90s and 2000s references or anything pop culture related, she’s your Jacksonville Beach Mom. Follow Callie for a mix of all the above!
