The Jean Ribault-themed playground at Friendship Fountain | Noah Hertz, Jacksonville Today
Published on July 6, 2026 at 12:36 pm
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Q: The Park Safety Council was established in 2020 in response to the death of a 3-year-old child in a park in Arlington.
Amari Harley had died in 2017 at Bruce Park, prompting the victim’s family to advocate for better park safety standards.
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Former Mayor Lenny Curry created the Park Safety Council in 2020 to establish and monitor the adoption of safety codes across Jacksonville’s over 400 public and recreational spaces. In the years since, the council has been unable to do much due to low attendance, which has prevented the organization from reaching a quorum. At least four of the six districts require a representative for the council to vote.
Now, Jacksonville Today reader Rhianna S. wants to know how residents can get involved. She asks:
”Is there an opportunity for more people to join the Park Safety Council?”
A: The short answer is yes. According to an email from the city, there is one seat open on the committee. It is reserved for someone in the Northwest City Planning Advisory Committee District 5. The other district seats have been filled.
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Residents of District 5 can apply on the Mayoral Boards and Commissions Application website.
Phil Perry, the city’s chief communications officer, says the mayor, in coordination with the Parks Department, appoints members to the council. Council members serve two-year terms.
As to whether this will help address the quorum issue, the city said in an email: “We expect to have a quorum at the [next] meeting because of the new member that was recently appointed. And the District 5 seat will be another voice that ensures quorum is met in the future.”
The next meeting will take place July 27. Aside from the members, anyone can attend via Zoom or in person at the Ed Ball Building, though the location may vary.
A meeting notice will be posted on the Park Safety Council website as the date approaches.
