First Glow-In-The-Dark Playground In America Sees The Light, Breaks Ground

By Mikelle Leow, 28 Jun 2023

Try peeling the kids away from this playground when it’s time to go for dinner.

Plans are coming aglow for the Texan town of Farmers Branch, which resides a little away from Dallas, to build the first glow-in-the-dark playground in the nation. Approved by city officials in 2021, the installation finally broke ground on Monday.

The futuristic facility spanning over 18,000 square feet will be named Joya (pronounced ho-ya), meaning jewel in Spanish, representing the suburb’s dreams to create its “crown jewel” park.

Video screenshot via Farmers Branch TV

Filling this colorful space will be a 27-foot, six-level climbing sphere, slides, swings, an obstacle course, a zip line, a spin zone, glowing seating, and even a sound system that emits nature sounds. There’ll also be a smaller playground for little ones aged two to five.

Video screenshot via Farmers Branch TV

When the sun goes down, the entire area will come alive with LED lighting, extending playtime for users.

Video screenshot via Farmers Branch TV

Additional features like illuminated flooring and handrails keep fun safe after dark.

Video screenshots via Farmers Branch TV

Joya will be completely free for the public. To make this inclusive gathering space a reality, the town received US$4 million in funding from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act, along with US$750,000 from a Texas Parks and Wildlife matching grant.

The design has passed light pollution guidelines by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). With that said, to better accommodate the site’s natural residents, the town will plant a buffer around the nearby creek to welcome wildlife while also handling runoff, pollutants, and erosion.

“Birds, toads, butterflies, and all other creatures will exist in perfect harmony at Joya,” says the Farmers Branch city council.

It’s unclear what time the playground will close, but what’s known is that, in the fall, lights will be off in the wee hours so as not to interfere with the migratory patterns of birds during that time of the year.

Besides having its permanent fixtures in place, Joya will also host family-friendly programs.

Here’s what it’ll look like in the day:

Video screenshot via Farmers Branch TV