STUART – A volunteer collaboration between Jensen Beach High School students, local business organizations and the Jensen Beach Garden Club will result in the donation of a $85,000 gazebo to be placed next to the Log Cabin Senior Center in Langford Park in Jensen Beach.
Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Jessica Ballash made the announcement during the June 23 Martin County Commission meeting.
“I am here to present a proposal for a community donation project that includes the design and construction of a new gazebo at Langford Park,” she said. “The intent is to provide a comfortable outdoor gathering space for active adults and for participants and visitors of the Log Cabin. The proposed gazebo would be adjacent to the Log Cabin and accessible along an existing walkway. The Jensen Beach Garden Club in partnership with N2 Architecture is leading the effort in this collaboration with Jensen Beach High School, the Treasure Coast Builders Association, Professional Women in Building, and of course, the Parks & Recreation Department.”
Ballash proceeded to describe how JBHS architectural design students had been provided design criteria including dimensions and conceptual design specifications through the collaboration of Stuart-based N2 Architecture. Those completed student designs were later reviewed for layout, floor plan, elevation, seating and overall visual presentation. Ballash named 2026 JBHS graduate Tristen Zanfini as the producer of the winning design out of 10 finalist submissions but acknowledged that he was not in attendance because he’d already begun the summer semester at the University of Central Florida where he’s studying architecture.
“What makes this project especially meaningful is that student involvement does not stop with the design,” she continued. “Students will continue into the next phases of drawings, permitting, estimating, construction support and hands-on experience in architecture, construction and other skilled trades. The project is supported by multiple donors and community partners through financial contributions, in-kind professional services, donated materials, volunteer labor and technical expertise. The estimated total cost is $85,000 with no cost to the county.”
After recommending approval of the donation and asking the Board to authorize the county administrator or designee “to execute any necessary documents and administrative actions to complete the project,” Ballash turned the floor over to Jensen Beach Garden Club President Dana von Rinteln.
“We are very excited to be partnering with everyone on this, [and] the students were just amazing,” the latter said. “The enthusiasm they displayed was incredible, and we were thrilled to be able to pick a winning design. We feel this will provide a very needed, wanted structure at the Log Cabin. A lot of folks come to the Log Cabin for their programming, coming early to socialize and stand around out there in that Florida heat. This structure will give them a nice shaded place to gather. I know the director of the Log Cabin would also like to use it for some other purposes, so we certainly hope we have your support in this project.”
Chairwoman Sarah Heard was the first to respond afterward.
“We appreciate the generosity of our residents, so thank you very much,” she said.
District 3 Commissioner Blake Capps went next.
“We could use one of these in District 3 as well,” he said as chuckling broke out on the dais.
District 1 Commissioner Eileen Vargas, in whose district Langford Park lies, was particularly grateful.
“This is an easy one,” she said of the agenda item. “We so appreciate you very, very much, and everybody that’s participated – the students – it’s fantastic. I’m all about for Vo-Tech and the skills trade. This is exemplary – I will use it myself, and I know that others will gravitate towards this area. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this for us, and it’s such a perfect, perfect place for it.”
Commissioner Stacey Hetherington made the final comment before making the motion to accept the donation.
“In addition to you ladies, Deb Frazier from Treasure Coast Builders Association was here this morning and had to leave at lunchtime,” she said. “She wanted to mention that TCBA, along with Boys & Girls Clubs and their Career Construction Program, will be constructing two of the benches that will go into this project. So, thank you for all you have done.”
The County Commission then voted unanimously for approval.