Boone Park

History and Heritage

Back in 1926, the City of Jacksonville acquired most of the land for this park from William Elijah Boone and four other owners. Boone was an industrialist who bought and rebuilt locomotives, then leased them to industries throughout North Florida and South Georgia.

The park's community roots grew deeper in 1937 when a charming "little house" was built on the grounds for the Girl Scouts. Tennis became part of the park's identity even before 1946 when the first courts appeared. After a tennis clubhouse opened in 1950, Boone Park became something of a local sports hub, hosting major public tennis tournaments for decades.

Park Features

Sprawling across 28 acres in Jacksonville's Avondale area, Boone Park has a unique layout that stretches from Park Street to Herschel Street and then from Herschel to St. Johns Avenue. It's essentially two park sections connected by winding paths.

What might strike you first is the substantial tree canopy. Mature shade trees create a peaceful woodland atmosphere that offers welcome relief during Florida's sweltering summer days. The walking trails meander gently through these wooded grounds, creating perfect paths for a morning stroll, walking your dog, or getting in some light exercise.

There's a certain calm that comes with finding this patch of nature tucked within a residential area. The ambient sounds of birds and rustling leaves make it easy to forget you're in the middle of a city. You'll discover plenty of benches scattered throughout when you need a moment to sit and take it all in.

Recreation Areas

Families with kids have two playground areas to choose from. The North playground (on the St. Johns Avenue side) is ideal for the little ones, while the South playground (Park Street side) offers more contemporary equipment that older children will appreciate. Both areas feature a good mix of slides, swings, climbing structures, and even a seesaw for old-school fun.

Tennis enthusiasts will appreciate the mixed-surface tennis complex with both clay and hard courts. In a nod to changing recreational trends, four pickleball courts were added in 2022 and have quickly become a hot spot. If you're planning to use the clay tennis courts, bring $2.50 per person for the fee, however the hard courts remain free. There are also practice walls available if you want to work on your serve or just hit around solo.

Amenities

Throughout Boone Park, you'll come across several picnic areas with tables and benches, ideal for casual lunches or reading spots. There's also a pavilion that accommodates larger gatherings if you're planning a family reunion or birthday celebration. Grills are available too, making cookouts a popular weekend activity.

Four-legged friends are more than welcome here. The park is notably dog-friendly, but you should keep your pup leashed as required. Thoughtful touches include water fountains with attached dog bowls and convenient stations with bags for pet waste disposal.

One thing to note: permanent restroom facilities are limited and generally only accessible when the tennis clubhouse is open. It's a small drawback that many parkgoers mention would improve the overall experience.

Visitor Information

Boone Park has cemented itself as a neighborhood favorite for families, offering that perfect blend of recreational facilities and natural spaces where you can either get active or simply unwind. Its location in the heart of historic Avondale makes it an easy stop for both locals and visitors exploring the area.

The grounds are well-kept and clean, with a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the friendly Avondale community. While parking is available, spaces can fill up during peak times, especially on beautiful weekend afternoons.