Earl Johnson Memorial Park

Historical Significance

Established in 1990, Earl Johnson Park sits on land that was donated to Jacksonville in 1976 - a bit of local trivia: it was previously the Stetson Road Landfill! The park honors Earl M. Johnson (1928-1968), the first African-American admitted to the Jacksonville Bar Association, who fought tirelessly for civil rights throughout Florida.

The land's story goes deeper than just the park itself. After the Civil War, the surrounding area became home to many African-American families, forming a community known as either Pine Forest or Larsen - a little piece of Jacksonville history that's often overlooked.

Location and Features

Nestled between Emerson Street and University Boulevard on Jacksonville's Southside, the park is a living memorial to both its namesake's civil rights work and the area's rich cultural heritage.

The park is pretty spacious, featuring two fishing lakes and eight youth soccer fields that buzz with activity year-round. Local organizations like the Jacksonville Youth Soccer Club and Florida Elite Soccer Academy regularly use these fields and help maintain them (though heads up - field conditions can vary depending on recent weather and how much play they've seen).

You can find a paved parking lot when you arrive, but fair warning: it fills up fast during soccer tournaments. When that happens, people tend to park on the grass or dirt areas nearby - not ideal after rain, but it works in a pinch!

Lakes and Fishing

Beyond the soccer fields lie two well-stocked fishing ponds that local anglers love. To reach them, just drive past the main entrance to the fields, hang a left onto Stetson Road, and follow it to the end.

If you're into fishing, you'll be happy to know these ponds host several species including gar and crappie. The locals report that using live bait brings the best catches. Just keep your eyes peeled near the water - alligators have been spotted here, so maintain a safe distance from the shoreline.

Amenities

When you're not fishing or watching soccer, you can enjoy the park's picnic areas with tables - some tucked under shady gazebos that offer welcome relief on those hot Florida days. There are also grilling areas if you're in the mood for an outdoor cookout.

You can find restroom facilities conveniently located near the front of the soccer fields, and during sporting events, the concession area opens up for snacks and refreshments.

Around the ponds, you can explore some forest trails that offer a quiet retreat from the more active areas of the park. They're excellent for a peaceful walk, some bird watching, or just sitting among the trees with a good book when you need a moment of calm.