Park News

Innovative glow-in-the-dark park about to turn it on in Farmers Branch

Joya glow in the dark park in Farmers Branch.

Courtesy rendering

An opening date has been determined for a truly original concept coming to Dallas-Fort Worth: Joya at Oran Good Park, the first "glow in the dark" playground in Farmers Branch, and in the entire U.S., for that matter, is celebrating its opening on January 20.

Located at Valley View Lane and Tom Field Road, the 18,000-square-foot facility is an innovative new twist on a park, featuring LED lights and interactive features that change color and will illuminate the park after dark - making it a destination both for day and night.

The city of Farmers Branch promises a one-of-a-kind playground experience.

In addition to the distinctive lighting, the playground will have a 27-foot climbing sphere with six levels, swings, slides, obstacle course, zip line, and hammocks.

A sound system will pipe in sounds of nature (in case the real birds are napping?), or Christmas music during the holiday season.

Joya will feature both a main playground (for ages 6+) and a tot playground (for ages 2 to 5). Visitors can also access trails, picnic tables, pavilions, and park benches park.

Joya is part of Oran Good Park, a 10-acre complex at 13300 Dennis Ln. that also boasts two baseball fields, four softball fields, a mini-soccer field, trails, and creek. Joya will replace the existing playground at Oran Good Park.

According to a release, the project is funded by a $750,000 grant from the State of Texas Parks & Wildlife and $4,000,000 from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Farmers Branch Deputy City Manager Mike Mashburn, who was inspired by Disney theme parks and a park in China, worked with a team of playground and engineering professionals, including Kompan who make playground equipment, and TNP, a civil engineering, surveying, and landscape architecture firm.

According to their website, the Oran Good Park location was selected for its central location and visibility and for the unique topography and natural features of the site, most of which they've kept intact. That includes Farmers Branch Creek and walking trails which remain. A buffer will be planted around the creek to help with runoff, pollutants, and erosion. They also checked with the Audubon Society to make sure it's bird-friendly.

And since it's a city park, everyday access is free.

The grand opening is set for January 20th at 6 pm, with the illumination of lights at 6:30 pm. The event will feature food trucks and giveaways from city park officials. It'll run until 9 pm, but the park will stay open until 10 pm. However: No pets, no alcohol or illegal drugs, no smoking or vaping, no skateboards, no roller blades or in-line skates, no frisbees, no hazardous materials, and no laser pointers.

openings parks

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen