Jacksonville, Florida, December 6, 2025
Jacksonville has officially opened the Riverfront Plaza, a public park that replaces the former Jacksonville Landing, as part of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. The park features an event lawn, an elevated playground, a splash pad, and enhanced Riverwalk paths. While phase one is complete, phase two is set to add additional amenities by 2027. The park aims to encourage community engagement and accessibility, with free on-street parking available during off-peak hours.
Jacksonville Opens New Riverfront Plaza on Jacksonville Landing Site
Jacksonville, Florida – On December 5, 2025, Jacksonville officially opened the Riverfront Plaza, a new public park located on the former site of the Jacksonville Landing. This development marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to revitalize its downtown waterfront area.
Key Features of Riverfront Plaza
- Event Lawn: A spacious green area designed for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
- Elevated Playground: A rooftop playground offering panoramic views of the St. Johns River and downtown skyline.
- Interactive Splash Pad: A water play area suitable for children of all ages.
- Enhanced Riverwalk: Improved pathways along the river, connecting to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
- Pet-Friendly Environment: The park welcomes leashed dogs, encouraging community engagement.
Development Timeline and Future Plans
The Riverfront Plaza project is being executed in two phases:
- Phase One: Completed in December 2025, this phase includes the features mentioned above. The total cost for this phase was $38 million.
- Phase Two: Scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, this phase will introduce additional amenities such as a rain garden, water feature, civic stairs, a beer garden, and a pedestrian ramp connecting to the Main Street Bridge. The estimated cost for this phase is $40 million.
Community Impact and Accessibility
The Riverfront Plaza is designed to be accessible to all residents and visitors. While the park does not offer on-site parking, ample on-street parking and nearby parking garages are available. On-street parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend. The park operates daily from sunrise to 10 p.m., providing ample time for community engagement.
Background Context
The Riverfront Plaza replaces the Jacksonville Landing, a once-popular venue that operated from 1987 to 2019. The city purchased the property and demolished the structures to make way for this new public space. The development is part of Jacksonville’s broader initiative to enhance its downtown area, aiming to attract residents, tourists, and businesses to the revitalized waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main features of Riverfront Plaza?
The park includes an event lawn, an elevated playground, an interactive splash pad, an enhanced Riverwalk, and is pet-friendly.
When did Riverfront Plaza officially open?
The park officially opened on December 5, 2025.
What are the operating hours of Riverfront Plaza?
The park is open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.
Is there parking available at Riverfront Plaza?
While the park does not have on-site parking, there is ample on-street parking and nearby parking garages. On-street parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend.
What is the history of the site where Riverfront Plaza is located?
The site was formerly home to the Jacksonville Landing, a popular venue from 1987 to 2019, before being redeveloped into the current park.
Key Features of Riverfront Plaza
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Lawn | A spacious green area designed for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. |
| Elevated Playground | A rooftop playground offering panoramic views of the St. Johns River and downtown skyline. |
| Interactive Splash Pad | A water play area suitable for children of all ages. |
| Enhanced Riverwalk | Improved pathways along the river, connecting to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. |
| Pet-Friendly Environment | The park welcomes leashed dogs, encouraging community engagement. |
Development Timeline and Future Plans
| Phase | Completion Date | Features | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase One | December 2025 | Event lawn, elevated playground, splash pad, enhanced Riverwalk, pet-friendly environment | $38 million |
| Phase Two | End of 2027 | Rain garden, water feature, civic stairs, beer garden, pedestrian ramp to Main Street Bridge | $40 million |
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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.
