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I Dig Jax
The City of Jacksonville and Mayor Donna Deegan proudly announce the launch of “I Dig Jax,” a new campaign to highlight major downtown and other city projects, including an update on progress at Riverfront Plaza and the design and planned construction of new riverfront parks.
“I Dig Jax tells that story, the story of both dirt turning on a range of projects, and people getting excited about their city as we continue to grow. I’m very glad to be able to share these updates and to proudly proclaim that I Dig Jax!”
~ Mayor Donna Deegan
Phase 1 of Riverfront Plaza is now under construction and includes an elevated destination playground on top of a park pavilion building, a large flexible event lawn, as well as a new bulkhead, riverwalk, and a plaza space connecting Riverfront Plaza to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The park pavilion building will include a small café space, restrooms, mechanical rooms and storage space to support the park. Phase 1 is slated for late 2025 completion.
Phase 2 of Riverfront Plaza will include a beer garden, rain garden, and a bike and pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge. Phase 2 is anticipated to start in early 2026 with an anticipated completion of 2027.
Phase 1 Status: Under Construction
Phase 1 Expected Completion: End 2025
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Park Street is being transformed into a shaded multimodal street, seamlessly connecting LaVilla and the Regional Transportation Center with the Five Points and Riverside neighborhoods.
The project focuses on upgrading roadway infrastructure in the Brooklyn neighborhood to boost pedestrian and bicycle connectivity while improving safety for all users. Enhancements include sharrows, on-street parking, wider sidewalks, narrower roadway widths for safer crossings, and the addition of street trees for shade and accommodation of sidewalk cafes.
These improvements will link Park Street to the Emerald Trail and McCoys Creek Greenway, fostering economic growth by creating an inviting and attractive environment for businesses and retailers. Patrons of local retail establishments will also have access to public parking available nights and weekends in the recently completed Florida Blue garage on Forest Street.
Status: Under Construction
Expected Completion: Summer 2025
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Work is underway at the McCoys Creek Outfall to transform the area through a comprehensive creek restoration project. This project will widen and deepen the creek, increasing its capacity and reducing the risk of flooding. The project also involves removing concrete culverts, “daylighting” the creek, and reintroducing natural flora and fauna. Additional project elements include the construction of a new pedestrian bridge that will provide access to a future riverfront park, replacement of the bulkhead along the creek channel, and reconstruction of the Riverwalk overpass.
This project will enhance connectivity in Downtown by creating new recreational opportunities and completing yet another link of the Emerald Trail. Visitors and residents will be able to kayak along the restored creek and enjoy pedestrian-friendly pathways, blending nature with urban living.
Status: Under Construction
Expected Completion: Fall 2025
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The waterfront of the Jacksonville Performing Arts Center is set to become an engaging and dynamic park celebrating Jacksonville’s rich musical heritage. Plans include a musical heritage garden honoring local musicians and composers, a children’s music play area, engaging art elements, and a cutting-edge outdoor wall projection venue inclusive of a sculptural projection tower.
The Downtown Investment Authority is enhancing the project by curating a nightly projection show and acquiring interactive artwork that pays tribute to Jacksonville’s storied music legacy, creating a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
Status: In Design; Construction Commencing Early 2025
Expected Completion: Spring 2026
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The reintroduction of two-way travel on our Downtown streets has been a priority in the Downtown master plan for decades. This initiative has been reinforced through subsequent Mobility Plan Updates and transportation projects, with dedicated tax increment funding from the Downtown Investment Authority allocated for implementation.
Restoring two-way streets is proven to encourage economic growth, boost property values, and support more efficient use of on-street parking and rideshare services. It also enhances retail visibility and occupancy rates, improves walkability and pedestrian safety, increases sidewalk activity, and elevates residential demand and quality of life.
This transformation begins Downtown with Forsyth and Adams Streets, both of which run through the DIA’s targeted dining districts. Current work includes two-way conversions, signalization, paving, striping, sidewalk expansion areas and parking kiosks. This work will be immediately followed by sidewalk widening, tree planting and enhanced streetscapes.
Status: Under Construction
Expected Completion (Initial Conversion): Summer 2025
Total Project Completion: Late 2026
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The Hogan Street Cycle Track is an Emerald Trail segment that will provide a connection between the future Hogan Creek Greenway trail and the Northbank Riverwalk.
Within Downtown, the Hogan Street segment will feature a cycle track along the west side of Hogan Street, adjacent to the pedestrian sidewalk. To accommodate this design, Hogan Street’s one-way roadway will be reconfigured, reducing it from two travel lanes to one. This transformation will extend from West State Street to Bay Street, creating a safe and inviting corridor dominated by pedestrian and bicycle activity. The final block, from Water Street to the Northbank Riverwalk, will transition into a shared-use side path, ensuring a seamless connection to the riverfront.
Status: Design nearing completion
Estimated Construction Commencement: Summer 2026
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The RiversEdge development will include more than four acres of public park spaces, including a large central riverfront Park featuring an iconic sculpture and a flexible lawn bordered by a walking track and a pavilion. A destination playground designed to provide fitness equipment for adults and children will be featured in another park area and a yoga lawn will be featured in a third.Active water access abounds with a marsh boardwalk and an extension of the Southbank Riverwalk, as well as transient boater slips and a kayak launch site.
These various public spaces will inspire healthy living through art, exercise, gardens and interactrive features.
Status: Under Construction
Expected Completion: Spring 2025
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RiversEdge Parks additional renderings (.pdf)
RiversEdge Parks Concept Details (.pdf)
The City opened the new Friendship Fountain in February 2024 with a waterfall wall and nightly choreographed light shows. Work is underway on the remaining construction of the park, themed around “Exploring the St. Johns River”. The space will feature a history-themed play park, restrooms, a wedding venue, picnic areas and interpretive gardens to help tell the story of the city’s founding and the American Heritage River at the heart of our City.
Status: Under Construction
Expected Completion: Early 2026
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Learn more about Shipyards West Park and project timeline at shipyardswest.com.
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Learn more about Metropolitan Park Revitalization and project timeline at revitalizingmetropolitanpark.com.
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