New Playground – Lake Wonderwood Trail Project
Naval Air Station Mayport
Jacksonville, Fla. – December 15, 2017
Kids living on base and leaders from Mayport Naval Base break-in the newly build playground
The Armed Forces Family Foundation and True Blue: Navy Family Benefactors recently cut the ribbon on a new children’s playground at Lake Wonderwood Preserve. AFFF donated a total of $40,000 towards the purchase and construction of the new playground, with True Blue covering a remaining cost of $1,440.15.
The project was selected from among other pending projects due to its immediate need and benefit to Navy families who live on the Mayport Naval Base. The new playground was installed to replace an existing playground, which was torn down due to safety concerns.
Since 2013, True Blue and their volunteers have worked to develop and improve the recreational facilities at Lake Wonderwood, including extending concrete pathways, building new walking bridges and continuing park upkeep.
True Blue and AFFF have previously partnered on projects to improve the Lake Wonderwood area, including:
- 2016 – Construction of a pavilion shelter with BBQ grills and picnic amenities
- 2015 – Installation of a new playground
“We are proud to continue our partnership with True Blue and to provide this playground to the military personnel and families at Mayport Naval Base,” said John Wright, a member of the board at AFFF. “It is truly remarkable to see the development of Lake Wonderwood since 2013, and we hope the Mayport community will continue to enjoy this park for years to come. It is a privilege to give back to this community and without our very generous donors, none of this would be possible.”
The new playground is located on the multi-use trail on the south-end of Lake Wonderwood Preserve, a 22-arce man-made lake and park located on Naval Station Mayport. The Lake Wonderwood multi-use trail is a one mile paved trail around the lake and serves as a multifaceted recreational facility that includes several pavilions, picnic areas, grill stations, children’s playgrounds and fitness stations. The trail benefits over 7,000 sailors and more than 800 families who live on Mayport Naval Base.
