JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Often called the “City of Renderings,” Jacksonville is working to shed that nickname as officials on Monday provided an update on several downtown projects and riverfront parks that will soon be a reality.
Deegan announced the launch of a new campaign called “I Dig Jax,” a website that includes a list and description of all current projects around downtown.
“Making real progress toward a vibrant and thriving downtown,” Mayor Donna Deegan said during Monday’s news conference.
RELATED | Downtown Jacksonville parks set to get millions for improvements from Jags stadium deal
Over 600,000 people have visited Friendship Fountain since it reopened a year ago, and they are staying for at least an hour.
They’ll have even more to stay for soon.
Surrounding Friendship Fountain is the St. Johns River Park. Work is underway on the remaining construction of the park, themed around “Exploring the St. Johns River”. The space will feature a history-themed play park, restrooms, a wedding venue, picnic areas and interpretive gardens to help tell the story of the city’s founding and the American Heritage River at the heart of our city. This project is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Another project is the Riversedge Parks and Boardwalk, which will provide a great place to enjoy the outdoors with sculptures, a track and a pavilion. Phase one of this project is expected to be completed in spring 2025.
Across the river to the Northbank, Hogan Street Cycle Track will be developed with the Emerald Trail, the travel lane will change from two to one to accommodate the cycle track. The changes will extend from West State Street to Bay Street and Water Street to Northbank Riverwalk. This project is expected to start construction in the summer of 2026.
Just behind the Jacksonville Performing Arts Center, a Music Heritage Garden will be added that will keep people engaged whether you they’re watching the show inside or outside.
And a light walkaway to Brooklyn the McCoys Creek Outfall project and is restoring the creek by widening and deepening the creek to reduce flooding. People will be able to engage in activities like kayaking or just taking in the view.
The Park Street Road Diet may have a unique name, but it will connect LaVilla with Five Points and Riverside. Renderings show how there will be more connectivity between the communities while making it easier to get around by car, bike or walking. This project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
Another big project is the former Landing site on the city’s riverfront, dubbed “Riverfront Plaza.”
Phase 1 of the Riverfront Plaza project is now under construction and includes an elevated destination playground on top of a park pavilion building, a large flexible event lawn, as well as a new bulkhead, riverwalk, and a plaza space connecting Riverfront Plaza to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Phase 1 of this project is slated for late 2025 completion.
Phase 2, which is expected to begin construction in early 2026 and be done by 2027, is slated to include a beer garden, rain garden, and a bike or pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge.
“After years of feeling like we are stuck when it comes to this kind of progress. Cranes in the air is what we like to see,” Deegan said.
To learn more about the downtown projects in progress, visit this website.
