Downtown Jacksonville’s Parks
Downtown Jacksonville is home to many beautiful parks and green spaces. From riverfront views, to historic landmarks, there is so much to explore in our parks, with many new plans on the horizon for even more activation of our outdoor spaces with art and programming.
Parks Managed by Downtown Vision
Downtown Vision partners with the City of Jacksonville to maintain public spaces and create a friendly and safe environment for visitors.
Corkscrew Park
Corkscrew Park, located in Jacksonville, FL, will be temporarily closed for a CSX Northbank Bulkhead Replacement project, starting this fall. The closure is expected to last from fall 2024 to fall 2025. However, the city has indicated that the park could reopen sooner if the project is completed ahead of schedule. During this time, the park will be inaccessible, but the Northbank Riverwalk between Pearl Street and the Acosta Bridge will also be closed for McCoys Creek Restoration. Access to Corkscrew Park will be available through Pearl Street until the CSX project begins. Learn more about construction and restoration plans here.
Staffed by Downtown Ambassadors Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Main Street Park
Main Street Park is newly renovated and open for public enjoyment. The park is open daily, and a Downtown Ambassador is stationed at the park during peak hours to provide a safe and friendly experience.
James Weldon Johnson Park
James Weldon Johnson Park (formerly Hemming Park) is at the heart of #DTJax, in the center of iconic location such as City Hall, the Main Library, and MOCA Jacksonville. This 1.5-acre public square in the center of the city, is Jacksonville’s first and oldest park and the site of many significant historic events.
Recent improvements to the Park included two new performance stages; Charlie’s Cafe, an outdoor dining area; a Kids’ Zone with whimsical sculptural seating and turf play area; beautiful new landscaping; and several public art projects. The park is managed by Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park.
Park Lunch Schedule
Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visit Charlie’s Cafe for food trucks daily and live music Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Additional programming on select Weekends.
What’s To Come in Downtown Parks
The St. Johns River Park & Friendship Fountain
St. Johns River Park, located on the Southbank between the Main Street and Acosta bridges, features the iconic Friendship Fountain. In April 2025, the park debuted a new playground as part of a two-year plan to create a vibrant, year-round public space.
Centered on the theme “Exploring the St. Johns River,” the revitalization includes a botanical garden, splash pad, concessions, fountain upgrades, and a playground ship named the Jean Ribault. The project also honors local history, sharing stories of the Timucuan people, Jean Ribault’s 1562 landing, the Fort Caroline settlement, and botanist John Bartram’s travels through Jacksonville.
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park
As part of LaVilla’s development strategy, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park was expanded and redesigned to honor James Weldon Johnson and the African American experience. Celebrating Johnson’s legacy as a notable Jacksonville native, the park welcomes all to reflect on his life and contributions.
The $3.1 million restoration replaced damaged concrete with natural grass, added seating for passive recreation, and installed new sidewalks, lighting, and trees. Major fountain upgrades refurbished pumps, piping, and electrical systems, restoring its iconic presence.
The design’s lifted lawn and the shotgun house—on the historic Johnson home site—connect past and present, transforming the once-empty lot into a meaningful public space.
JaxParks
For information on individual parks in Downtown Jacksonville, contact the City of Jacksonville’s JaxParks Department.
For General Information – (904) 630-2489
For Permits – (904) 255-7930, Jaxparkspermitting@coj.net
