In March, we previewed something truly innovative coming to Farmers Branch—a futuristic, glow-in-the-dark attraction the city says will be “the crown jewel of playgrounds.” Well, don’t tell the kids yet, but you can pencil in a date for an amazing day or night experience: Joya at Oran Good Park is slated to open this fall.
According to WFAA, construction is underway on the project near the corner of Josey Lane and Valley View Lane, including an 18,000-square-foot kids playground area and a 7,000-square-foot one for tots.
A six-level climbing sphere, a zip line with interactive lights, and more
The Joya playground will be crazy cool in the daytime. But when the sun goes down, that’s when it will really get special. [Video still: City of Farmers Branch]
Spanish for “Joy,” Joya’s main playground will feature a 27-foot sphere with six climbing levels, swings, and slides; a zip line with interactive lights; an obstacle course; a “Spin Zone” with LED lights, and “glowing seating.” It’ll be fun during the daytime, but when the sun goes down, that’s when the magic will really begin.
The smaller playground for tots 2 to 5 will have two gated entrances and play areas filled with lights, WFAA reported.
Rendering of Joya’s 27-foot climbing sphere lit up at night at Oran Good Park. [Video still: City of Farmers Branch]
“It’s so exciting to begin construction on a first-class, all-accessible playground like Joya at Oran Good Park, a public space that kids and families of all ages and abilities will enjoy year-round,” Deputy City Manager Mike Mashburn told WFAA. “We’re looking forward to the grand opening of Joya, our city’s crown jewel, bringing to life the fun and joy that comes from a one-of-a-kind facility like this.”
Rendering of just part of Joya, a glow-in-the-dark playground coming to Oran Good Park in Farmers Branch. [Video still: City of Farmers Branch]
City council members approved the concept in November 2021, with $4 million in funding coming from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act and $750,000 from a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant for the park’s design and construction.
One unique benefit of the playground’s unique lighting system? It meets guidelines set by the International Dark Sky Association according a Farmers Branch study on light pollution, WFAA reported.
Joya: You’ll know it when you see it. [Video still: City of Farmers Branch]
You’ll know it when you walk up, as seen above, but you won’t believe it till you see it. In the meantime, you can get an idea by playing this YouTube video:
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Farmers Branch plans to break ground next month on Joya at Oran Good Park. "The crown jewel of playgrounds" in the city will have eye-popping interactive features that actually glow in the dark, allowing for both day and evening play. There will also be also a zip line and a 27-foot sphere with six climbing levels. The city says the park could be open by this summer—but we have a video tour of all the magic that you can see right now.
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