James Weldon Johnson Park is a 1.5-acre public square in the center of the city and serves as Jacksonville’s first and oldest park and the site of many significant historic events. The park became the cultural and social center of the city, and for over a century it was the heart of Downtown, the hub of commerce and the public meeting place for citizens from all walks of life. The park was last redesigned in 1977 and was converted to a plaza space.

The City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Master Plan is an effort to plan improvements for the future of our parks and recreation amenities, programs, and services. Community input is an important part of this process to better understand our residents’ needs and desires concerning parks and recreation. The results of this survey will create a priority blueprint for places we can improve, methods for growing responsibly, and programs and recreational opportunities our community would like to see.

Please share your ideas and thoughts for the redesign of James Weldon Johnson Park and for improving Jacksonville Parks.  The open house will be on Thursday, August 10^th from 4pm – 7pm or Friday, August 11^th from 9am – 1pm at the downtown Jacksonville Public Library Main located at 303 N. Laura Street., 32202. Enter the library on Laura Street.


About Parks, Recreation and Community Services: The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through recreation activities and programs, conservation and marine resources, sports & entertainment, senior services, social services, disabled services and extension services serving approximately 900,000 residents in Duval County. PRCS offers over 400 parks and recreational spaces. For more information about The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, visit www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation.