South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground — Attraction in Jacksonville Beach

I was about a quarter mile into a Sunday run when I ran by this empty basketball court with a ball seemingly waiting for me in the corner. F the run! God was begging me to do one of my high school basketball workouts.

Started with the Mikan Drill then went to pound dribble workouts up and down the court. Next was elbow jumpers. HARD jab, one dribble pull up, make ten at each elbow.

As I'm typing this I realize no one cares about the details of my HS basketball workouts, so I'll spare you. But, I will say few things bring me more joy than a good solo hoop workout. I don't know why, maybe it's just nostalgia. Maybe it's when I used to do these I had the whole world in front of me. "Should I go to Duke or Kentucky?"

I walked around this Park after and there was SO much action. Sand Volleyball courts were packed, Pickleball courts were active, a turf field with some kids playing soccer and others running routes, a skate park, multiple playgrounds, picnic tables hosting kids' birthdays, some pull up bars and other workout equipment, etc.

It was beautiful. People off their phones, connecting with the local community, or just doing activities that bring them joy. Scrolling can only give so much dopamine. Love seeing people, especially kids, be outside and active. LET THE KIDS PLAY!

Ig @jnov_ Tiktok...

This is the best park in Jacksonville because it was created with everyone in mind. It's beautifully landscaped and smartly laid out. It's clean and safe. Parents can rest easy because the kids play area's fence is high, secure and locks. The playground is designed to look like a fairytale fort from your childs wildest imagination. What's also impressive is the second sectioned off area for the really little guys. Sunshine park also has an incredible adequately sized street skate style area. Basketball court !! Splash water area open for kids in the summer time. A 4/10 mile paved track that includes various exercise stations. I mostly use the push-up bars and balancing beam. Bags to pick up after your pet. Clean bathrooms with plumbing! A filtered water fountain that's designed to easily fill bottles!! Yes i did say filtered!! Grills and sheltered picknick areas. Tennis courts!! A beautiful grassy field with trees that provide plenty of shade for the really hot days . Lots of benches for relaxing and contemplating. Two volleyball pits !! Outdoor showers !! It's incredible. It's quite a luxury!! Never been to a park quite so special....

Is there an option for 6 ☆'s? This has been my favorite park in the Jacksonville area, and I have been to so many. There is just so much for kids to do.

There are two distinct "splash parks" to suit both toddlers and bigger kids. Time controllers that run the water that need to be reactivated every 10-15 minutes. The pole it is situated on is distinct and easy to spot but requires a heavy hand to activate.

The playground is awesome for kids (there are even sunbrellas over the swings to cut down on the heat and direct sun. There is even a gazebo where parents can sit down and watch the little ones wear themselves out.

How about a skate park that is free and available? Yeah, this place has one too. The transitions are well done and provides a great place to skate, Rollerblade, BMX, or one of those scooters that grandma gave you.

While I was there a group was playing flag football on a well maintained field.

The bathrooms were even in good...