News Summary
Jacksonville has introduced a transformation plan for the 15-acre Metropolitan Park along the St. Johns River. Developed with landscape architects Civitas, the project aims to enhance the park’s connection to the river and rejuvenate the space for community events. Incorporating elements from the Gullah Geechee heritage, the design features interconnected landscapes and a unique ‘Living Edge’ for ecological benefits. The initial construction phase is expected to commence by 2026, contributing to Jacksonville’s $1.1 billion North Riverfront development initiative.
Jacksonville has unveiled a new design plan aimed at revitalizing the 15-acre Metropolitan Park, which is located along the St. Johns River in downtown Florida. The project, developed in collaboration with the Denver-based landscape architecture firm Civitas, focuses on transforming the aging park into a vibrant and resilient civic landscape that strengthens the city’s connection to the river.
The revitalization plan emerges as part of Jacksonville’s larger $1.1 billion North Riverfront development initiative. Metropolitan Park, situated next to EverBank Stadium, is historically significant as a venue for community events, notably the Jacksonville Music Festival and Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The redesign aims to create a year-round destination that encourages residents to engage with the waterfront.
Incorporating elements inspired by the Gullah Geechee tradition of basket weaving, the design will reflect the cultural heritage of the nearby Out East neighborhood. Landscapes will feature interlaced paths, geometries, and materials that unify the park’s currently disjointed spaces, enhancing accessibility and aesthetics.
Key Features of the Design
A standout component of the redesign is the 100-foot-wide “Living Edge” which will enhance the relationship between the park and the St. Johns River. This naturalized buffer will not only absorb stormwater but also provide an additional three feet of protection against storm surges.
The plan includes a variety of native plants, wetlands, and elevated boardwalks, designed to offer park visitors immersive experiences with the river’s ecology. Amenities such as seating areas, gathering platforms, and a community dock will facilitate interaction with the waterfront while maintaining the park’s ecological integrity.
Furthermore, the redesign prioritizes interconnected landscapes, creating open plazas and shaded gardens adjacent to EverBank Stadium that can be utilized for recreation or large community gatherings. A path meandering through cypress groves will preserve the park’s existing mature oak canopy and will be complemented by natural play structures and informal trails.
The current event field in the park will be transformed into a broad elliptical green, designed to accommodate recreational activities and performances for up to 10,000 attendees. An innovative feature will be the Canopy Walk, which allows visitors to stroll through treetops and culminates in an overlook providing stunning views above the Living Edge and the river.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The development of the revitalization plan stemmed from extensive community engagement. A public meeting and online survey launched in April 2024 solicited feedback from residents and garnered hundreds of responses. Following several workshops and discussions, the design concept was officially presented in September 2025.
Although the timeline for the park’s revitalization is still in development, funding for the initial construction phase is anticipated to be approved by October 2026. The project represents a significant step towards a broader transformation of Jacksonville’s downtown waterfront, which includes the redevelopment of the former Ford Motor Company assembly plant into a site for maritime industrial use.
In addition, the Museum of Science and History is set to relocate to a new 100,000-square-foot facility designed by DLR Group, with construction beginning in 2026 and completion expected in 2028.
The revitalization of Metropolitan Park stands as a promising development for Jacksonville, aiming to restore the park as a vibrant community hub while honoring the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
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Additional Resources
- Architectural Record: Civitas Waterfront Revitalization
- Jacksonville.com: Latest Design for Metropolitan Park Rebuild
- Action News Jax: Civitas Selected for Park Redesign
- First Coast News: Public Opinion on Metropolitan Park
- Google Search: Metropolitan Park Jacksonville
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.
