JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Officials cut the ribbon Thursday for the Community First Bark Park on Jacksonville’s Southside ahead of the grand opening weekend for The Block Jax.
The venue off Gate Parkway in Deerwood will also include a food hall, live music pavilion and kids play park. It’s slated to open to the public on Friday.
Community First Credit Union, which financed the construction of The Block Jax, says the multi-acre venue is a place where the entire family can enjoy an evening out on the town.
The Block Jax will feature eight local restaurants, a rooftop bar, live music, and the Community First Bark Park at Kanine Social.
Anchoring the 2.5-acre site, a striking 10,000-square-foot covered pavilion will serve as The Block’s centerpiece—a shared community space for concerts, events, and everyday connections.
The Community First Bark Park also features a vibrant 80-foot mural, hand-painted by local artist Clay Misner, that incorporates the coast, the Jacksonville skyline and a myriad of dogs at play, along with the message: “WELCOME TO DOOOOOGVAL.”
“The partnership with Community First brings tremendous energy and purpose to The Block and Kanine Social,” said Daniel Moffatt, founder of The Block Jax. “Community First has been a part of this project since day one – helping make our vision possible – and the new Community First Bark Park will be a gathering place that truly celebrates Jacksonville’s sense of community.”
Officials said the credit union will also have a recurring presence at The Block Jax to introduce financial education resources to visiting families.