Pictured above: Ayres family, members of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, Parks and Recreation's Director and Deputy Director
New playground coming to Pineapple Park thanks to generous gift
On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, Fred Ayres' children announced a $400,000 donation to the county to build a playground at Pineapple Park in Jensen Beach.
The family would like the playground to be named "The Fred Ayres Memorial Playground," in honor of their father, the late Fred Ayres, owner of Conchy Joe's Seafood Restaurant and Bar and the Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House.
During Tuesday's commission meeting, the board acknowledged Mr. Ayres' four children, Carly Frohlich, Fritz Ayres, Annie Arasa and Mary Rosseau, for their generous and thoughtful gift to the community. "We are humbled and fortunate to accept such a gift from the Ayres family to build a playground for residents to enjoy for many years to come," expressed Kevin Abbate, Martin County Parks and Recreation Department Director.
With a permanent roof structure and lights, families will be able to use the playground for extended hours. Other planned playground features include:
- A 4,500 sq. ft. multi-age play area
- Air circulation fans
- A water fountain
- Benches
- Picnic tables
The generous gift from the Ayres family is an exceptional example of the wonderful things that can be achieved with the support of private entities and individuals for the benefit of the entire community. Individuals or organizations interested in contributing to the parks system should send an email to martinparks@martin.fl.us.
