Bliss Products and Services white logo for Jim Carruthers, Southwest Florida sales representative covering Sarasota, Fort Myers, Collier County, and surrounding areas

Sarasota / Ft. Myers Playgrounds, Shade, and Site Amenities

From Bradenton to Naples, clear options for play, shade, surfacing, shelters, seating, and sports, aligned to real budgets and lead times.

Bliss Products and Services white logo for Jim Carruthers, Southwest Florida sales representative covering Sarasota, Fort Myers, Collier County, and surrounding areas

Sarasota / Ft. Myers Playgrounds, Shade, and Site Amenities

From Bradenton to Naples, clear options for play, shade, surfacing, shelters, seating, and sports, aligned to real budgets and lead times.

Bliss Products and Services white logo for Jim Carruthers, Southwest Florida sales representative covering Sarasota, Fort Myers, Collier County, and surrounding areas

Sarasota / Ft. Myers Playgrounds, Shade, and Site Amenities

From Bradenton to Naples, clear options for play, shade, surfacing, shelters, seating, and sports, aligned to real budgets and lead times.

Bliss Products and Services Playground & Outdoor Equipment Sales Rep. Sarasota / Ft. Myers, Florida

Anchored in Southwest Florida - At the Helm of Community Projects for Over Two Decades - Jim Carruthers

For more than 20 years, I’ve helped communities across Southwest Florida plan outdoor spaces that are safe, inviting, and built to last. Since joining Bliss Products and Services in 2001, my focus has been the project management of complex projects so they move smoothly from early planning through to installation. When you work with me, you get local context and a clear process that keeps decisions practical and schedules realistic.   Typical support includes: • Equipment selections that fit the space, budget, and how the site will be used • ADA-aware layouts and surfacing options that help keep play areas welcoming • Planning for coastal exposure, including sun, salt air, summer storms, and wind • Keeping details organized from first conversation through to the ribbon cutting   Living and working in Southwest Florida means local conditions guide every recommendation, from sun and salt air to wind exposure and seasonal storms. Options are narrowed to what fits the site and the purchasing path, with practical tradeoffs explained upfront so the approvals stay straightforward. The result is a finished space that performs reliably over time.
Jim Carruthers – Florida South Sales Representative for Bliss Products and Services

Jim Carruthers

Territory: Sarasota / Ft. Myers, Florida Phone: 239-248-7023 Email: jcarruthers@blissproducts.com
💡 Fun Fact: Before trading waves for playgrounds, my background included captaining yachts and dinner boats in two of America’s busiest harbors. That same steady hand now guides each project, keeping details on course from the first conversation through to the final installation.
Most projects start with a similar set of needs. The goal is to match the right products and finishes to the site, budget, code requirements, and long-term upkeep so purchasing decisions are clear and easy to make.
  • Play structures, climbers, and independent play
  • Shade canopies and umbrellas
  • Safety surfacing: PIP rubber, turf, EWF
  • Park shelters, pavilions and restrooms
  • Dog parks and agility courses
  • Outdoor fitness, site furnishings, bike parking and waste bins
  • Field and court sports equipment including bleachers
  • Inclusive layouts with ADA-aware choices

The focus is not the sale of products but rather it is creating places that bring people together and stand the test of time. From coastal parks to neighborhood playgrounds, each and every project is a chance to leave something lasting for the community. Below are recent examples of completed projects, photos of popular products to help purchasing teams compare options and see how different projects come together. If it is time to chart the course for your next outdoor space, use the buttons above to start the conversation and bring it safely into port.

Recent Bliss Products and Services Projects:

From Sarasota to Naples, I work with parks departments, school teams, and city staff to turn outdoor space ideas into built places. The projects below reflect Bliss Products and Services work from across the Southeast and are shown for inspiration. Each Southwest Florida package is aligned to local requirements such as code considerations, wind and corrosion exposure, mount types and coatings, quantities, budgets, and current availability windows so your team can compare options and move ahead. Click any image to see photos and key features.

Playground and shade structure installation at Fleischmann Park in Naples, Florida by Bliss Products and Services

Fleischmann Park, Naples FL

Bliss Products and Services installed track shelter at Hoover High School athletic field in Alabama

Project Two, Florida

Renovated school playground with slides and climbers installed by Bliss Products and Services in Dyersburg, TN.

Project Three, Florida

Aerial view of Riverview Park inclusive community playground in Chattanooga, TN with inclusive play and adaptive play equipment, shade structures, and nature play surfacing — Bliss Products and Services.

Project Four, Florida

Lakeshore Village, LA

Lakeshore Village, LA

Memorial Hospital Children’s Learning Center – Chattanooga, TN

Memorial Hospital Children’s Learning Center – Chattanooga, TN

EXCEL Academy – Fort Washington, MD

EXCEL Academy – Fort Washington, MD

Richardson Center – Turf Replacement – Florence, SC

Richardson Center – Turf Replacement – Florence, SC

Myrtle Grove Elementary – Florida

Myrtle Grove Elementary – Florida

Scott Park – Florida

Scott Park – Florida

John Williams – Florida

John Williams – Florida

Bunche – Florida

Bunche – Florida

Webster Park – Cullowhee, NC

Webster Park – Cullowhee, NC

Bryson Park – Sylva, NC

Bryson Park – Sylva, NC

Kituwah Academy – Cherokee, NC

Kituwah Academy – Cherokee, NC

Clemmons Moravian Church – Clemmons, NC

Clemmons Moravian Church – Clemmons, NC

Woodleaf Park – Rowan County, NC

Woodleaf Park – Rowan County, NC

Oasis Elementary School, South Florida

Oasis Elementary School, South Florida

Briarwood Christian School – Birmingham, AL

Briarwood Christian School – Birmingham, AL

Hoover High School Track Shelter – Hoover, AL

Hoover High School Track Shelter – Hoover, AL

Dyersburg Primary School – Dyersburg, TN

Dyersburg Primary School – Dyersburg, TN

Riverview Park – Chattanooga Tennessee

Riverview Park – Chattanooga Tennessee

Rolling Oaks Park – Miami Gardens – Fl.

Rolling Oaks Park – Miami Gardens – Fl.

Apalachee Regional Park – Dog Park – Leon County, Florida

Apalachee Regional Park – Dog Park – Leon County, Florida

Walker Rocks – Walker County – GA

Walker Rocks – Walker County – GA

Webster – Jackson County, NC

Webster – Jackson County, NC

Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic School, Mandeville, LA

Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic School, Mandeville, LA

Splash Pad, Pavilion, and Restroom – Tarboro, NC

Splash Pad, Pavilion, and Restroom – Tarboro, NC

Action Fit, City of Saltillo – Mississippi

Action Fit, City of Saltillo – Mississippi

Lynn View Park – City of Kingsport, Tennessee

Lynn View Park – City of Kingsport, Tennessee

Hill Slides – Wildleaf for Neal Land

Hill Slides – Wildleaf for Neal Land

Venezia Park – FL

Venezia Park – FL

Governor Ron DeSantis Park – FL

Governor Ron DeSantis Park – FL

Level Green Park, City of Virginia Beach

Level Green Park, City of Virginia Beach

New Pavillion – Evans, GA

New Pavillion – Evans, GA

J Lewis Hall Park Playground

J Lewis Hall Park Playground

Blanchard Park in Martinez, Georgia

Blanchard Park in Martinez, Georgia

Eden Themed Playground

Eden Themed Playground

Inclusive playground – Lake Lisa Park – Port Richey – FL

Inclusive playground – Lake Lisa Park – Port Richey – FL

Shade Structure – Fleming Island Plantation, FL

Shade Structure – Fleming Island Plantation, FL

South Creek Middle School – Orlando, FL

South Creek Middle School – Orlando, FL

Pineview Elementary’s New Basketball Shelter

Pineview Elementary’s New Basketball Shelter

Spring Park School – Clay County, Florida

Spring Park School – Clay County, Florida

Clemmons Moravian Church – NC

Clemmons Moravian Church – NC

High Falls Park – S.C.

High Falls Park – S.C.

Ayden Elementary School, Pitt County, Ayden, NC

Ayden Elementary School, Pitt County, Ayden, NC

Grifton School, Grifton, NC

Grifton School, Grifton, NC

Sharmie Ffar Park, Gainesville, FL

Sharmie Ffar Park, Gainesville, FL

Mystic Adventure – Virginia

Mystic Adventure – Virginia

New Fort Braden Playground

New Fort Braden Playground

Inclusive Playground – Fleischmann Park, Naples, FL.

Inclusive Playground – Fleischmann Park, Naples, FL.

Fort Braden Community Center Adult Fitness Course

Fort Braden Community Center Adult Fitness Course

Old Bridge at Chesapeake City Hall

Old Bridge at Chesapeake City Hall

Playground and amenity install in Georgia

Playground and amenity install in Georgia

Little General Park – City of Ringgold

Little General Park – City of Ringgold

Taylor Park – City of Duluth

Taylor Park – City of Duluth

Sal Oliveri Park

Sal Oliveri Park

Pendrick Pond Park

Pendrick Pond Park

Grambling State University

Grambling State University

Hammock Park, Dunedin, Florida

Hammock Park, Dunedin, Florida

Marion Magnet School

Marion Magnet School

Swift Creek Middle School

Swift Creek Middle School

Charlestown Athletics

Charlestown Athletics

Hartsfield Elementary, Tallahassee

Hartsfield Elementary, Tallahassee

Virginia Beach 4th Precinct Playground

Virginia Beach 4th Precinct Playground

Coahoma Opportunities Inc.’s Aaron Henry Head Start

Coahoma Opportunities Inc.’s Aaron Henry Head Start

Valley View Elementary School

Valley View Elementary School

Astoria Park Elementary School

Astoria Park Elementary School

J.J. Finley Elementary School – Gainesville, FL

J.J. Finley Elementary School – Gainesville, FL

Southwest Florida projects rarely follow a single template. Whether you are sketching a first concept or refining a specification, I can help narrow options that fit the space, budget, and schedule. Guidance includes what tends to work locally, clear tradeoffs, and a packaged set of drawings, quantities, pricing ranges, and timelines so approvals stay straightforward. If a project is on your list, a quick call is the fastest way to narrow options.

Popular Outdoor Products for Sarasota / Ft. Myers, Florida Communities

In my years working across Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, and beyond, I’ve learned what holds up in Southwest Florida’s parks, schools, and gathering spaces. From salty coastal breezes to summer downpours, the local climate demands equipment that is as tough as it is inviting. The products below are selected because they stand up to the weather, support safety, and help create spaces people want to use.   Send a few site notes or a quick sketch. Sizes, coatings, and mount types can be confirmed for each location, with cut sheets, quantities, and clear budget ranges returned for review, including fast-lead options when schedules are tight.
Blue steel memorial bench with laser-cut message in the backrest.

Benches

Blue expanded-metal picnic table with black frame on a concrete patio.

Picnic Table

Aerial night view of Hillsboro, Virginia in Loudoun County – supported by Bliss Products and Services with inclusive playground and outdoor recreation solutions.

Trash Receptacle

Dog jumping an adjustable hurdle at a dog park

Dog Courses

Rectangle hip shade with four posts covering a small playground

Shade

Close-up of outdoor fitness stations including vertical knee raise, hand cycle, parallel bars, and a cardio walker

Outdoor Fitness Stations

Aluminum bleachers with full-perimeter guardrails and a center aisle handrail at a sports field, available from Bliss Products and Services.

Bleachers

Ballfield dugout bench shelter with chain-link fence, available from Bliss Products and Services.

Dugouts

Timber-frame park pavilion with a gable roof and cupola sheltering multiple picnic tables beside a lake, available from Bliss Products and Services.

Timber Pavillions

Aluminum bleachers with full-perimeter guardrails and a center aisle handrail at a sports field, available from Bliss Products and Services.

Playgrounds

Ballfield dugout bench shelter with chain-link fence, available from Bliss Products and Services.

Splashpads

Overhead view of a circular playground with custom graphics on unitary surfacing, available from Bliss Products and Services.

Safety Surfacing

Whether you are planning a new playground for a school in Collier County, a shaded picnic area in Sarasota, or fitness equipment for a community park in Lee County, I help you find the right fit for the space. Every project is a chance to match strong design principles with products that can handle Southwest Florida’s climate and bring communities together in the process. Use the Call Now button below to talk through ideas and next steps.