PALM BAY, Fla. – Wednesday, construction began on a new fence to block a playground from nearby ponds at Palm Bay’s Fred Poppe Regional Park.

Palm Bay built the new playground with inclusive equipment for children with special needs earlier this year.

However, parents informed News 6 Brevard County community reporter James Sparvero that they were worried about a large pond being just steps away from the playground, with nothing preventing children from entering the water.

Sparvero took those concerns to Palm Bay city leaders, and they said money for fencing was added to the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Now the parks division manager says work on the new safety fence will last for two weeks.

“We’re building a 4-foot safety fence around the playground to create a secure boundary around the all-inclusive playground,” Josh Hudak explained to Sparvero at the location. “The public expressed this as a need. We listened to their concerns, and we’re addressing it.”

[VIDEO: Families call for barricade between new playground and pond at Palm Bay park]

Hudak said workers will also install eight park benches at the playground.

He responded to some families who told News 6 they thought the park was fine without a fence and parents should just keep an eye on their kids.

“They’re needs to be a barri, so it just made sense,” Hudak said.

The playground will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, but the park remains open during the project.

The city is urging visitors to be cautious and follow signs posted in the area.

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