Featured Park
Featured Waterway
Accessible Amenities
Artificial Reef
Bait & Tackle
Baseball
Basketball
Benches
Beach Pier
Bike Racks
Bike Trail
Birding Trail
Boat Dock
Boat Fuel
Boat Pumpout
Boat Ramp
Boat Trailer Parking
Canoe Rental
Concession Stand
DogPark
Drinking Fountain
Equestrian Trail
Fishing Available
Golf
Grills
Hiking Trail
Nonmotorized Launch
Kayak Rental
Lighting
Manatee Education
Multipurpose Field
On the water
Paddle Board Rental
Parking
Pickleball
PWC Rental
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Playground
Restaurant
Restrooms
RiverWalk
Sailboard Rental
Sailboat Rental
Scenic Overlook
Skate Park
Soccer
Splash Pad
Surfing
Swimming Pool
Tennis
Trash Barrels
Wheelchair Accessible
Workout Station
The land was first leased from the Navy in 1979. A decade later, then-Councilwoman Tillie Fowler (later U.S. Representative) began to push hard to develop the land. Remnants of a 16-foot wide brick road links Ortega to Jacksonville and can be found at several locations in the park. The road pre-dates 1917 but was heavily used when Camp Johnston was built as part of the preparations to train American troops during World War I. In September 1996, the observation tower, nature center and outdoor classroom were dedicated. In 2005, the park was renamed for Tillie K. Fowler. A woman of impeccable grace and civility, she tenaciously advocated on behalf of issues important to the City of Jacksonville and on behalf of the needs of the United States Armed Forces, particularly the U.S. Navy. An entry sign into the park now bears her name and honors her efforts. In more recent years, the park has improved and expanded the hiking and off-road bike trails as well as added a dog park and kayak launch.
The Nature Center hours of operation are: Friday through Sunday from 1pm - 4pm. For questions, call 904-255-6877.
Additional features:
Benches 20 Bike racks 2 Car Parking 90 Drinking Fountain Grills 6 Picnic shelters 1 Picnic Tables 36 Playground Equipment 3 Restrooms 2 Security Lighting Trails Paved (Miles) 0 Trails Unpaved (Miles) 2 Trash Barrels 14
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