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, I deliver clear options for play, shade, surfacing, shelters, seating, and sports with 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, I deliver clear options for play, shade, surfacing, shelters, seating, and sports with 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, I deliver clear options for play, shade, surfacing, shelters, seating, and sports with 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

I’m Jim Carruthers. For more than 20 years I’ve helped communities across Southwest Florida, from Sarasota to Fort Myers and Naples, create outdoor spaces that are safe, inviting, and built to last. I joined Bliss Products and Services in 2001 and focus on steady project management so jobs run smoothly from planning through installation.When you work with me, you’re not just getting a proposal; you’re getting someone who knows this region inside and out. I can help you:• Pick equipment that actually fits your space, your budget, and how people here will use it. • Make sure everything meets ADA requirements so it’s welcoming for everyone. • Plan with our coastal weather in mind, from hurricane-rated shelters to surfacing that stays cooler under the Florida sun. • Keep things on track from the first conversation to the ribbon cutting.Because I live and work in Southwest Florida, I understand the challenges and opportunities our communities face, from salt air and summer storms to busy public spaces that see year-round use. That local knowledge shapes every recommendation I make, so your project not only looks great on day one but also performs reliably for years.
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, I captained yachts and dinner boats in two of America’s busiest harbors.  That same steady-hand approach now guides every project I work on – keeping things on course from first conversation to final installation.

Most projects start with a similar set of needs. I help you match the right items to your site, budget, codes, and long-term maintenance so 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, restrooms
  • Dog parks and agility courses
  • Outdoor fitness, site furnishings, bike parking, waste bins
  • Field and court sports equipment, bleachers
  • Inclusive layouts with ADA-aware choices

At the end of the day, it’s not about making a sale – it’s about creating places that bring people together and stand the test of time.  From coastal parks to neighborhood playgrounds, every project is a chance to leave something lasting for the community.  If you’re ready to chart the course for your next outdoor space, I’m here to help you 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 are Bliss Products and Services work from across the Southeast and are shown for inspiration. I tailor every package for Southwest Florida, confirming codes, wind and corrosion exposure, mount types and coatings, quantities, budgets, and current lead times 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

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.

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

Every site in Southwest Florida is different. Whether you are sketching the first concept or refining a spec, I will help you choose what fits your space, budget, and schedule. I will share what works here, explain the tradeoffs, and package drawings, quantities, pricing ranges, and lead times so approvals are straightforward. If a project is on your list, I am ready to help.

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 lasts in Southwest Florida’s parks, schools, and gathering spaces. From salty coastal breezes to summer downpours, our climate demands equipment that’s as tough as it is inviting. The products you’ll see here are the ones I trust and recommend most – because I’ve seen them stand up to the weather, keep people safe, and bring communities together.Send a few site notes or a quick sketch. I will confirm sizes, coatings, and mount types for each location and return cut sheets, quantities, and clear budget ranges, with 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 it’s a new playground for a school in Collier County, a shaded picnic area in Sarasota, or fitness equipment for a community park in Lee, I enjoy helping people find the right fit for their space. Every project is a chance to match great design with products that can handle our Southwest Florida climate – and bring people together in the process. If you’re ready to talk ideas, I’m here to help you get started.