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

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.