Amid all the construction happening throughout Jacksonville, several projects are focused on more than just adding new buildings — the city is also creating and improving public parks along the St. Johns River.
Featured on Jacksonville’s newly revamped dinosaur-themed website, I Dig Jax, are six riverfront parks currently in progress: Metropolitan Park, Riverfront Plaza, Music Heritage Garden, Shipyards West Park, RiversEdge, and St. Johns River Park, which surrounds the iconic Friendship Fountain on the Southbank.
“These riverfront parks are game-changers that will spark a new era for downtown Jacksonville — just like they did for Tampa,” said Mayor Donna Deegan in a statement to the Business Journal.
The funding to complete Shipyards West Park, Metropolitan Park, and Riverfront Plaza is included in the Jaguars’ “Stadium of the Future” deal, which city officials say includes the largest community benefits agreement in NFL history.
Shipyards West Park
This 10-acre park, designed by Agency Landscape + Planning, will link up with the Northbank Riverwalk and feature pickleball and volleyball courts, fishing piers, a kayak launch, a boardwalk, and even floating wetlands. The park will also include a beach area and forested space for a more natural retreat. A permit application for the park was filed on July 29 by The NDN Companies and the City of Jacksonville.
Metropolitan Park
Already a familiar location at 4110 Gator Bowl Drive, Metropolitan Park spans 18 acres along the river. The park is being reimagined with a new boardwalk, a denser tree canopy featuring a canopy walk, open lawn space for performances, a tailgate plaza, and more. Plans also include a safer pedestrian crossing and landscaped median leading into the park. Final design plans are expected this winter.
Riverfront Plaza
Located where The Jacksonville Landing once stood, Riverfront Plaza is being developed in two stages. Phase one includes a raised playground above a park pavilion, a flexible lawn for events, and extended riverwalk access. Phase two will add a beer garden, bike and pedestrian paths connecting to the Main Street Bridge, and additional gathering spaces. The first phase is scheduled to open in early 2026, with phase two starting that fall. A small café and restrooms will be part of the pavilion, and new pathways will also link the park to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
St. Johns River Park
Upgrades are in progress around Friendship Fountain as part of the St. Johns River Park redevelopment. The new design includes a Jean Ribault-inspired pirate ship playground, a garden space, a concession area celebrating the heritage of Jacksonville’s Timucua Native Americans, a wedding plaza, and more. Completion is expected in early 2026.
“These park plans reflect input from dozens of public meetings,” said Mayor Deegan. “They’re designed to improve quality of life, draw more people to our city, and support economic growth.”
Music Heritage Garden
Just west of Riverfront Plaza at 300 Water St., Music Heritage Garden is currently under construction. This park will celebrate Jacksonville’s musical roots through design elements like a giant treble clef and musical notes. It’s slated for completion in spring 2026.
RiversEdge
On the Southbank, RiversEdge is a multi-phase project that will include several adjacent parks centered around health and wellness. One section, Northwest Park, will feature seven interactive art pieces created by Barcelona-based artist Anaisa Franco. The main park will also include a large sculptural installation by Mark Fornes. In June, the Downtown Investment Authority approved a timeline extension for engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., with the first phase expected to wrap up by the end of the year.
Information from: https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2025/07/31/riverfront-parks-underway.html
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