Jacksonville is advancing plans to redevelop its riverfront along the St. Johns River, transforming underused areas into public parks. The project includes new green spaces and attractions downtown, such as performance lawns, interactive art installations, wedding plazas, and small beach areas, aiming to make the waterfront more accessible and generate revenue. Construction is underway on both the Northbank and Southbank sections of the riverfront.
As reported by the Jacksonville Business Journal, city officials say five major riverfront park projects are underway, aimed at transforming underutilized parcels into visitor-focused destinations and new revenue streams. The lineup leans heavily on programmed events, art installations and amenities that can host private rentals and festivals, all tied into a broader downtown strategy. The update is the latest check-in on a multi-year effort to reconnect Jacksonville to the St. Johns.
What Is Going Up Where
Riverfront Plaza, on the former Jacksonville Landing site, is the headline act. City materials describe Phase 1 as complete, with public programming already rolling out. According to the City of Jacksonville, Phase 1 features include an elevated rooftop playground, a pavilion with a small café and restrooms, a large flexible event lawn and a rebuilt riverwalk. Phase 2 is set to bring in a beer garden, a rain garden and a bike-and-pedestrian link to the Main Street Bridge. The city lists Phase 1 as finishing in late 2025 and schedules Phase 2 construction through 2027.
Music, Art And Southbank Gardens
Just west of Riverfront Plaza, the Music Heritage Garden is taking shape along the waterfront next to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Plans call for a treble-clef centerpiece, interactive musical features and a Walk of Fame honoring local artists. Across the river, the multi-phase RiversEdge development is being organized around health, fitness and public art. One area will showcase seven interactive pieces by Barcelona artist Anaisa Franco, and the main park is slated to include a large sculptural installation. The Downtown Investment Authority says Music Heritage Garden is currently under construction and expected to wrap up in spring 2026.
Friendship Fountain And St. Johns River Park
Work around Friendship Fountain is being rebranded as St. Johns River Park, with designers planning a Jean Ribault-themed pirate ship playground, interpretive gardens that nod to the Timucua, concession space and a dedicated wedding plaza. The upgrades are meant to turn the Fountain area into a year-round event hub while also tackling erosion and bulkhead problems that have limited access to the river. Local reporting and city updates show that segment is slated for completion in early 2026, according to News4Jax.
Timelines And The Riverwalk
The city is phasing riverwalk reopenings alongside park construction so sections come back online as work allows. The McCoys Creek span and several Northbank pieces are targeted for early 2026 reopenings. Project pages tie riverwalk completion windows to each park, which means some connections, including the Main Street Bridge link to Riverfront Plaza, will not be ready until later phases. For current maps and estimated dates, the city’s project portal lists the latest timelines and status updates, according to the City of Jacksonville.
Why The City Is Betting On Parks
City leaders are pitching the riverfront build-out as economic development as much as placemaking. The expectation is that new parks will attract visitors, events and private bookings that feed nearby restaurants, hotels and retailers. The Downtown Investment Authority and city staff note that the stadium community-benefits agreement helped pay for several of the parks, including Shipyards West and parts of Riverfront Plaza and Metropolitan Park. “These plans have incorporated feedback from dozens of public meetings on what citizens would like to see,” Mayor Donna Deegan said, adding that “these investments will increase the quality of life for everyone, attract more visitors to our beautiful city, and deliver significant return for our citizens,” as reported by the Jacksonville Business Journal…