Lem Merrett Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Situated on Ellis Road in west Jacksonville, between Ramona and Verna Boulevards, Lem Merrett Park carries a bit of local history with it. Part of the grounds actually started out as a playground for the neighboring Ramona Boulevard Elementary School back in 1951-52 - talk about a playground upgrade!

The park got a growth spurt in 1957 when Duval County leased the site and added two more acres to the mix. After Jacksonville's city and county governments joined forces in 1968, the City of Jacksonville took the reins on managing this green space.

The Man Behind the Name

Wondering who Lem was? The park honors Willis Lem Merrett (1919-1978), who served as Duval County Commissioner for the district from 1961 to 1968. Not a bad legacy to leave behind!

Local Hero's Touch

Between 1988 and 1997, the park got some serious TLC, largely thanks to one passionate local resident, Cary "Red" Lyda (1919-2000), who had a soft spot for the neighborhood kids.

Red didn't just talk about improvements - he made them happen by creating a park association, drumming up private donations, and collaborating with the City on various enhancement projects.

What You'll Find There

The basketball court stands out as the main attraction here. There's also a baseball/football field, although heads up - it tends to get soggy when rain comes to town.

The playground is on the smaller side with just the basics. If you're planning a picnic, you'll appreciate the covered picnic area with tables where you can enjoy a meal or gather with friends.

How It Works Today

The School Board and City maintain a joint-use agreement for the space, which means resources are shared between them.

While it is a community space for west Jacksonville residents, the park does face some maintenance challenges. You might notice what looks like the remains of a splash pad - a relic from more splashy days gone by.

Getting There

You can park in the unpaved parking lot when you visit. Just remember that the park welcomes visitors on weekdays but takes weekends off.

Note that the facilities are pretty basic here. This little park could really shine with some community love and attention from the city.