A tradition for generations of Jacksonville area Girl Scouts has come to an end.
For 65 years, the Beaches Little House in Neptune Beach’s Jarboe Park was a place Girl Scouts went for camping trips, service projects and other events, including the 100 Years of Girl Scouts Celebration in 2012.
But the Jacksonville organization recently gave up operation of the Beaches Little House, giving the property to the City of Neptune Beach.
“This is a bittersweet moment for Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, but we are excited for what the future holds for Jarboe Park,” said Girl Scouts of Gateway Council CEO Mary Anne Jacobs in an email to WJCT News.
The Beaches Little House has been located at Jarboe Park since 1952, when it was presented to the Girl Scouts by the Rotary Club of Jacksonville. The park runs along Third Street, Florida Boulevard, Fifth Street and Bay Street.
More than 40 Girl Scouts, alumnae and supporters attended its closing ceremony.
The Beaches Little House wasn’t the only one. Little houses were at one point a movement across America, according to VintageGirlScouts.com.
The City of Neptune Beach is planning a complete makeover of Jarboe Park with new features that will include a multi-use lawn, ADA-compliant multi-use building, expanded community garden and a trailhead, according to the Girl Scouts Gateway Council.
The trailhead and new building will be situated in the same vicinity as the Beaches Little House, which will be torn down to accommodate the new facilities.
“We look forward to all the opportunities the Girl Scouts will enjoy visiting an inspired park and enjoying its new facilities,” said Jacobs.
Construction is expected to begin this month.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
