Jacksonville, Florida, December 2, 2025
Mayor Donna Deegan recently highlighted the progress in Jacksonville’s riverfront developments, including the completion of Riverfront Plaza’s first phase and the opening of RiversEdge Park. The first phase of Riverfront Plaza features a playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk, while RiversEdge Park offers diverse amenities for health and connection. Future plans include the design of Shipyards West Park and the reimagining of Metropolitan Park, aiming to enhance urban living and foster economic growth in the city.
Jacksonville’s Riverfront Developments: Recent Progress and Future Plans
Jacksonville, Florida – Mayor Donna Deegan has recently celebrated significant advancements in the city’s riverfront development projects, highlighting the completion of the first phase of Riverfront Plaza and the opening of RiversEdge Park on the Southbank.
Completion of Riverfront Plaza’s First Phase
The initial phase of Riverfront Plaza, a $38 million project, was completed with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and the Light Boat Parade on the St. Johns River. This phase includes a playground atop a pavilion building, an event lawn, a new bulkhead, and an improved Riverwalk connecting to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The second phase, set to begin by the end of this year, will feature a beer garden, rain garden, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access to the Main Street Bridge. The entire project is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Opening of RiversEdge Park
On the Southbank, the RiversEdge development has introduced a 4-acre park featuring a playground, interactive play equipment, cooling water misters, an outdoor gym, a yoga lawn, and a marsh boardwalk. Mayor Deegan emphasized that this park is part of a larger mixed-use neighborhood aimed at enhancing health, connection, and quality of life. The development also includes plans for homes, shops, restaurants, offices, and a marina.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, the Shipyards West Park is in the design phase, with plans for a two-story event pavilion, a flexible lawn, a Playscape, Riverwalk, and sports courts. Construction is expected to begin next year, with the first phase slated for completion by the end of 2028. Additionally, the Metropolitan Park is undergoing reimagining, with construction anticipated to start next year.
Background Context
These developments are part of a broader initiative to revitalize Jacksonville’s riverfront, aiming to create a vibrant, connected space for residents and visitors. The city’s commitment to these projects reflects a strategic effort to enhance urban living and economic growth through improved public spaces and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Riverfront Plaza project?
The Riverfront Plaza is a $38 million development in Jacksonville, Florida, featuring a playground atop a pavilion, an event lawn, a new bulkhead, and an improved Riverwalk connecting to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The first phase was completed with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and the Light Boat Parade on the St. Johns River. The second phase, set to begin by the end of this year, will include a beer garden, rain garden, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access to the Main Street Bridge. The entire project is expected to be completed by early 2026.
What amenities does RiversEdge Park offer?
RiversEdge Park is a 4-acre development on Jacksonville’s Southbank, featuring a playground, interactive play equipment, cooling water misters, an outdoor gym, a yoga lawn, and a marsh boardwalk. The park is part of a larger mixed-use neighborhood that includes plans for homes, shops, restaurants, offices, and a marina. Mayor Deegan emphasized that this park is designed with health, connection, and quality of life at its heart.
What are the plans for Shipyards West Park?
Shipyards West Park is a 10-acre development located between the USS Orleck and Hogan’s Creek. The latest plans, which are 90% complete, include a two-story event pavilion, a flexible lawn, a Playscape, Riverwalk, and sports/pickleball courts. Construction is expected to begin next year, with the first phase slated for completion by the end of 2028.
What is the Metropolitan Park reimagining?
The Metropolitan Park is undergoing reimagining, with construction anticipated to start next year. The project aims to revitalize the park to better serve the community and enhance the riverfront experience. Specific details about the reimagined park’s features and amenities have not been fully disclosed yet.
What is the goal of Jacksonville’s riverfront development projects?
The goal of Jacksonville’s riverfront development projects is to revitalize the city’s waterfront, creating vibrant, connected spaces for residents and visitors. These initiatives aim to enhance urban living and economic growth through improved public spaces and infrastructure, fostering a sense of community and attracting investment.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s Riverfront Developments
| Project | Location | Amenities | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverfront Plaza | Northbank | Playground, event lawn, new bulkhead, improved Riverwalk | Early 2026 |
| RiversEdge Park | Southbank | Playground, interactive play equipment, cooling water misters, outdoor gym, yoga lawn, marsh boardwalk | Completed |
| Shipyards West Park | Northbank | Event pavilion, flexible lawn, Playscape, Riverwalk, sports/pickleball courts | End of 2028 |
| Metropolitan Park Reimagining | Northbank | To be announced | Next year |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
