Jacksonville, Florida, January 3, 2026
Jacksonville has launched the first phase of the Riverfront Plaza Park, a vibrant public space replacing the former Jacksonville Landing. This development includes key features like an elevated playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk, aiming to revitalize downtown and enhance community engagement. The project underscores the city’s commitment to urban renewal and economic growth, with plans for future phases expected to bring additional amenities.
Jacksonville, Florida
New Riverfront Plaza Park Unveiled: A Fresh Start for Downtown
The city of Jacksonville has unveiled the first phase of its new Riverfront Plaza park, transforming the former Jacksonville Landing site into a vibrant public space along the St. Johns River. This development marks a significant step forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area, fostering community engagement and enhancing the public realm to benefit residents and visitors alike.
With a focus on creating accessible and attractive spaces, the Riverfront Plaza is poised to become a gathering spot for family-friendly activities, cultural events, and outdoor enjoyment. It reflects Jacksonville’s commitment to urban renewal, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of local leaders and the importance of investing in community infrastructure to drive economic growth.
Key Features of Phase One
- Elevated Playground: A playground situated atop a pavilion building, offering panoramic river views.
- Event Lawn: A spacious area designed for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
- Improved Riverwalk: Enhanced pathways along the river, providing scenic walking and biking routes.
- Plaza Space: An open area connecting the park to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, fostering cultural engagement.
- Seasonal Decorations: A Christmas tree was temporarily installed during the holiday season, adding festive charm to the park.
Development Timeline and Costs
The first phase of Riverfront Plaza, covering six acres, was completed at a cost of $38 million. Construction for the second phase is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, with an estimated completion by the end of 2027. This phase will introduce additional amenities, including a rain garden, water feature, civic stairs, a beer garden, and a pedestrian ramp to the Main Street Bridge. The projected cost for the second phase is $40 million.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The opening of Riverfront Plaza is part of Jacksonville’s broader initiative to revitalize its downtown area and enhance public spaces. Alongside the ongoing improvements at RiverEdge parks on the Southbank, plans are also in place for more parks along Bay Street on the Northbank, including Shipyards West and Metropolitan Park. These efforts aim to create a continuous, activated, and people-centered riverfront, contributing positively to the city’s growth and community involvement.
Background Context
The former Jacksonville Landing, a once-popular shopping and entertainment venue, was demolished in 2019 to pave the way for the new Riverfront Plaza. This transformation reflects the city’s commitment to urban renewal and the desire to provide residents and visitors with accessible, attractive public spaces along the riverfront.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Riverfront Plaza?
Riverfront Plaza is a new public park in Jacksonville, Florida, located along the St. Johns River on the former site of the Jacksonville Landing. It features an elevated playground, event lawn, improved Riverwalk, and plaza space connecting to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
When did Riverfront Plaza open?
The first phase of Riverfront Plaza opened on December 5, 2025.
What are the features of the first phase of Riverfront Plaza?
The first phase includes an elevated playground, event lawn, improved Riverwalk, and plaza space connecting to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
What is planned for the second phase of Riverfront Plaza?
The second phase will include a rain garden, water feature, civic stairs, a beer garden, and a pedestrian ramp to the Main Street Bridge. Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
How much did the first phase of Riverfront Plaza cost?
The first phase of Riverfront Plaza was completed at a cost of $38 million.
Who were the architects and contractors for Riverfront Plaza?
Perkins & Will Inc. served as the architect, and Jacksonville-based Haskell was the construction contractor for both phases of Riverfront Plaza.
Key Features of Riverfront Plaza
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elevated Playground | A playground situated atop a pavilion building, offering panoramic river views. |
| Event Lawn | A spacious area designed for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. |
| Improved Riverwalk | Enhanced pathways along the river, providing scenic walking and biking routes. |
| Plaza Space | An open area connecting the park to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, fostering cultural engagement. |
| Seasonal Decorations | A Christmas tree was temporarily installed during the holiday season, adding festive charm to the park. |
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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.
