Floating jungle gym finds a home near Longboat

Anyone crossing the Longboat Pass Bridge in recent weeks may have noticed a new addition to the north end of Longboat Key.

Since late June, a floating jungle gym has been in operation in the water between Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, and Jewfish Key. According to Edwin Toro, owner of Fun Life Entertainment, the playground will be anchored there Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the rest of the summer.

“We decided to anchor here, and it’s been a great success,” Toro said. “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback.”

The jungle gym includes a rope swing, water slide and multiple jumping points. The youngest age eligible to use the jungle gym is six years old, Toro said, adding that his oldest customers so far were in their late seventies.

Currently, using the floating playground costs $15 per person per hour, Toro said, and participants (or guardians) must sign a waiver before enjoying the activities.

Toro acknowledged that, while the structure is easily accessible by boat, patrons traveling to the location by foot face a challenge. To get to the spot, customers must trek through the mangrove-covered sliver of land that connects Greer to Longboat.

However, Toro sees the remote location as a positive aspect because it prevents the structure from becoming overcrowded.

According to Toro, his company’s mission is a simple one: to help people have fun.

“That’s what we’re all about,” Toro said.