Stuart - Friday May 27, 2022: Martin County held a dedication ceremony for the opening of the Fred Ayres Memorial Playground at Pineapple Park in Jensen Beach. The playground is the first of its kind in Martin County. It is 4,500 square feet in size and includes a place for children to play.
The park is named after Fred Ayres, a man who gave back to this community and continues to do so through his legacy.
Commissioner Doug Smith, Chairman and District 1 Commissioner, worked closely with the Ayres family, Parks & Recreation and Capital Projects staff, a playground design team and construction firm to turn the vision into an award-winning playground featuring equipment that follows best practices in youth fitness, a permanent roof structure, air circulation fans, lighting, water fountains, park benches and picnic tables.
The Ayres family started with a vision, paired it with a generous donation and approached the County with a way to honor their father while giving a lasting gift to the community. The playground is an example of what can be achieved with the support of private entities and individuals for the benefit of an entire community.
“The generous gift from the Ayres family will have a lasting impact on the community and aligns with Martin County Parks and Recreation’s mission to improve quality of life and satisfy the community’s needs for recreation, fitness and leisure,” said Kevin Abbate, Martin County Parks & Recreation Director.