Local students receive exclusive tour of Nocatee Spray Park

The latest amenity expansion at Nocatee is inspiring the next generation of construction professionals on the First Coast.

In October, high school students from Duval, Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties who are interested in construction-related careers were invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing development of the new Nocatee Spray Park.

“The Nocatee Spray Park offers students a truly unique opportunity to witness a wide range of construction work all in one place,” said Mo Rudolph, director of planning and development at The PARC Group, the developer of Nocatee. “This is a case study in state-of-the-art, complex construction. We’re building one structure made entirely of concrete block, one made from timber, and one from steel — not to mention the tallest water slide tower in Northeast Florida.”

The PARC Group partnered with the Florida First Coast Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) and Carlton Construction to host the event. ABC volunteers reached out to area schools with career and technical programs related to construction, and 90 students from nine schools attended.

Inspiring future construction professionals at a critical time for the industry

Students toured various aspects of the active construction site, including the custom-designed bandshell and stage, commercial food service building, 20,000-component spray playground and office and restroom buildings. Several contractors working on the job — many of whom graduated from the NEFBA apprenticeship program and local high schools — spoke to students about career opportunities in the construction industry, and they also heard from the construction manager and the project’s superintendent.

“The construction industry is experiencing a labor shortage,” said Karin Tucker Hoffman, president/CEO of ABC’s Florida First Coast Chapter. “More than 80 percent of ABC members report having trouble finding appropriately skilled labor. And it’s not getting better: Commercial construction is projected to face a deficit of 1.1 million workers over the next decade. That’s why we’re committed to workforce development and educating young people about the high-paying and rewarding career opportunities in construction through events like this.”

Representatives from NEFBA also provided students with information about its apprenticeship programs. The trade association sponsors four-year apprenticeship training for local students in the areas of carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing.

A one-of-a-kind amenity

The Nocatee Spray Park is the first and only of its kind in the region. The four-story, above-ground, interactive spray playground will serve as the centerpiece of the latest major amenity expansion at Nocatee.

The Spray Park will feature a 42-foot water slide tower, five slides, the Blue Water Bar & Grill and a resort-style beach. With more than 100,000 square feet, the park is the largest addition to the master-planned community since its founding more than a decade ago.

The Nocatee Spray Park will be located between the Nocatee Community Park and Nocatee Swim Club, on the eastern side of Crosswater Parkway. It is slated to open within the next few months.