Riverside Park

A Glimpse into History

Jacksonville's historic Riverside neighborhood is home to an 11.4-acre green space that locals have enjoyed for generations. Riverside Park holds the distinction of being the city's second-oldest park, with roots stretching back to 1869 when the original Riverside plat set aside fourteen acres for public enjoyment. After the land was donated to the city, the 1890s saw the park begin to take shape.

From Humble Beginnings

Imagine horse-drawn carriages circling the park as workers laid out walking paths, a carriage lane, and created two spring-fed lakes teeming with ducks. The addition of ornamental stone bridges and fragrant camphor trees enhanced the space - by 1907, it had become known as one of the South's most beautiful parks.

Back in the day, you could have enjoyed concerts at the park's bandstand or played a match on its tennis courts - features that have since given way to new amenities as the park evolved with the times.

People Power

This park's story is also one of community love and resilience. In 1967, the Men's Garden Club partnered with the city to create a camellia garden that added splashes of color to the landscape. When Mother Nature dealt a harsh blow in 1997, uprooting 52 trees during a severe storm, locals didn't give up. The city and Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) rolled up their sleeves and worked together to restore their beloved green space. Today, camellia trees still bloom throughout the grounds, showing the results of the community's restoration efforts.

A huge flock of birds at the Riverside Duck Pond

Photo: Michel Curi (CC BY 2.0)

What You'll Find Today

Riverside Park offers a canopy of mature trees casting cool shadows across the grounds - a welcome feature during hot Florida afternoons. The centerpiece duck pond with its fountain has become a mini ecosystem, home to various waterfowl and turtles that seem to pose for photos. Many visitors bring bread to feed the ducks (though the occasional algae in the pond suggests this might not be ideal for water quality).

Play and Recreation

The park features two playgrounds catering to different age groups. While some equipment might show signs of wear and tear, the laughter of children indicates they don't seem to mind much.

For teens and adults, a basketball court offers a place to shoot hoops and get some exercise. Dog parents will appreciate the dedicated dog park with its thoughtful separation between areas for large and small dogs, complete with water stations and shaded spots where you can sit while your furry friend socializes.

Planning Your Visit

The walking trails that meander around the park provide a peaceful circuit for your morning jog or afternoon stroll. Throughout the grounds, you'll come across picnic tables and benches fantastic for people-watching or enjoying a sandwich from one of the nearby 5 Points eateries.

Speaking of which, the park's location near the vibrant 5 Points area makes it easy to combine your park visit with some shopping or dining. Just keep in mind there are no public restrooms in the park, so plan accordingly. You'll need to find street parking around the park's perimeter, which can be a bit challenging during busy weekends.

The Heart of a Community

The park sees all kinds of visitors - from early risers practicing tai chi to families having afternoon picnics - making it a well-used community space.

Despite occasional maintenance issues that any century-old park might face, Riverside Park continues to be a pleasant urban green space in the heart of the city.