Community and Recreation: Celebrating Upgrades at Dr. Rev. J.W.H. Thomas Jr. Park
Dr. Rev. JWH Thomas Jr. Park, located at 46 S.W. Ninth Ave. in Delray Beach’s Southwest Neighborhood, is a beloved community asset. Named in honor of Dr. Rev. JWH Thomas Jr., a pastor at the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church for 46 years, the park has become a gathering place for residents since its completion in 2015.
The park’s most prominent amenity is a full, fenced in, play structure where children can climb and explore, providing a safe and fun environment for outdoor play. A shade canopy covers the playground, allowing kids to enjoy the space comfortably, even under the Florida sun. The park also has exercise equipment for adults, making it a great resource for all ages. Parking is a breeze with the attached 40-space lot.
The park recently received some improvements after the Delray Beach CRA was awarded the 2020 Solid Waste Authority Grant for Blighted and Distressed Properties Clean-Up and Beautification Grant in the amount of $22,800. With this money the CRA was able to remove and replace 12 dead trees and other landscaping; perform landscaping maintenance, complete fertilization and irrigation repair; and restore the entrance sign. Additionally, the CRA improved the playground by replacing broken play equipment, adding the shade canopy, and installing play turf.
The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) considers the park a crucial element of its mission to revitalize the physical environment and enhance the quality of life for residents. By investing in community spaces like Dr. Rev. JWH Thomas Jr. Park, the CRA aims to stabilize neighborhoods, foster a sense of community, and improve overall living conditions.
“Improving a community asset such as Dr. Rev. JWH Thomas Park is one way the CRA achieves its mission in revitalizing the physical environment,” said Christine Tibbs, CRA Assistant Director. “Investing in beautifying and enhancing parks and community spaces helps to stabilize communities and adds to the quality of life for residents. Dr. Rev. JWH Thomas Jr. Park is a community asset, and it can now be better utilized by all residents.”
Dr. Rev. JWH Thomas Jr. Park remains a vibrant hub and a shining example of what community-focused development can achieve. The CRA continues to seek ways to enhance this valuable space, ensuring it remains a welcoming place for all residents.
