ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County is planning to build a croquet lawn at a 2.3-acre park off U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.
The total cost for the fields, along with necessary parking, is estimated at $100,000.
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This project will feature four croquet fields, each measuring 28 by 35 yards. When placed side-by-side, these fields will stretch a little over the length of a football field, as indicated by a map provided by the county.
Funding for the project will come from impact fees, which are one-time charges levied on new construction.
These fees are designed to help cover the costs of capital projects necessitated by development, ensuring that new growth contributes to infrastructure improvements like roads, parks, and schools. It’s important to note that the funds collected from these fees cannot be used to operate, maintain, or repair existing facilities.
In addition to the croquet fields, the project aims to enhance Rock Springs Farms Park on Sunstone Court by adding a shade structure, parking, and additional restrooms.
Donna Tucker and her husband Forrest are split on whether the idea of a croquet lawn is a good one, though their marriage certainly doesn’t ride on the decision.
“We need to make the maximum use possible out of our county parks, and I’m not certain a croquet field that serves, frankly, a pretty narrow interest is the best use of that park,” Forrest said.
Dorren and John Rice feel like there is an interest; they are actually borrowing their idea for the park from the Sarasota County Croquet Club, and believe it fits the interests of the county.
“Our vision is basically to promote this, promote the sport of croquet, and we want to build the future of the croquet program with the youth who are in the area as well,” John said.
To ensure community input is valued, the county is inviting residents to share their thoughts on the project. A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Southeast Branch Library, located at 6670 U.S. 1 South in St. Augustine.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with key project team members, including Public Works Project Manager Darren Shannon, Capital Improvement Program Manager Jason McKay, Parks and Recreation Project Manager Timothy Conner, and Associate Landscape Architect Matthew Jurney from the planning and design firm Kimley-Horn.
According to The Croquet Foundation of America, croquet is believed to have been first played by 13th-century French peasants who used crudely fashioned mallets to whack wooden balls through hoops made of willow branches.
Croquet became a favorite pastime of the elite in the 1930s and 40s.
