Jacksonville, Florida Parks

The Fort Family Regional Park at Baymeadows is a wonderful, family-friend outdoor recreational area that can be found in Jacksonville. It’s a popular place for many people in the neighborhood to come together when the weather is nice so that children and groups of friends and family can get together for a memorable time. Some of the amenities that are available there include picnic tables, picnic shelters, grills, concession stands, playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a fishing pier. You can spend your time enjoying a picnic, throw a frisbee around, catch some fish, and explore the grounds on their extensive hiking trails.

Address: 8000 Baymeadows Rd E, Jacksonville, FL 32256, Phone: 904-255-7900

This amazing outdoor destination is named after A. Philip Randolph, a man who grew up in Jacksonville, and in the 1950s and 1960s, became an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement. You’ll find many amenities within the park including playscapes and an amphitheater which hosts several plays and other events throughout the year. Younger kids head straight to the playground as its full of slides and swings that provides hours of enjoyment. Other amenities include viewing benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains, restrooms, lighting for after dark hours, and parking among other things. While there, be sure to stop by and see a life-sized bronze statue of Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Hayes.

A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park , Address: 1096 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32206, Phone: 904-255-8008

Balis Park was established in 1988 by Mrs. Abla Balis in memory of her husband Sheffield Balis. The couple had been longtime residents of San Marco and she believed there was no better way to honor his memory than by creating a public park for all to enjoy. You’ll find Balis Park right in the middle of The Square at San Marco, which is a commercial district located in south Jacksonville. It has been renovated and improved over the years to include gorgeous landscapes, a sound system, and the bronze sculpture, Windy Days.

Address: 1999 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Phone: 904-255-7919

Blue Cypress Park is one of Jacksonville’s most favored parks because there is so much to enjoy that visitors of all ages are sure to have a good time. Some of the features of the public outdoor recreation site include environmentally-sensitive areas which are home to an array of flora and fauna, a nine-hole golf course, and a community center complete with soccer fields, tennis courts, concession stands, and a swimming pool. The boardwalk along the St. John’s River is visited by many and is handicap accessible so that everyone can enjoy themselves. Other aspects include a fishing dock, a non-motorized boat launch, and picnic shelters with grills among other things.

Address: 4012 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32277, Phone: 904-745-5466

With playgrounds, a tennis court, and picnic shelters complete with grills and tables, Boone Park is a popular place for friends and family to get together. You’ll find the park in Jacksonville’s Avondale area; much of the property was purchased by the city from William Elijah Boone who bought, rebuilt, and leased locomotives. One of the most popular park amenities that you will come across include a tennis clubhouse where several public and private tournaments are held throughout the year. Others include a designated picnic area complete with tables, benches, and grills, rentable shelters for public gatherings, park lighting, playgrounds, and more.

Address: 3700 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205, Phone: 904-630-2489

Brackridge Park opened in 1974 and has grown to be a popular place for children of all ages to come together, play, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Though it once had baseball fields and tennis courts, these were taken down to make room for soccer fields as its popularity spread throughout the city. Much of the park is now managed by the Jacksonville Jaguars Soccer Club, and they invite girls and boys of all ages and skill levels to try their luck at the game. Other amenities include concession stands, a playground, designated picnic area, and parking among other things.

Address: 8650 Newton Road, Jacksonville, FL 32246, Phone: 904-630-2489

Castaway Island Preserve is a 300+ acre outdoor space that was purchased by the city of Jacksonville alongside the Florida Communities Trust. The preserve is such a fun place for people of all ages to hang out and spend a day outdoors. They have tons of features and amenities which appeal to everyone, from children to the elderly. You can spend your time hiking the parks system of trails and coming across the local flora and fauna; photographers and bird watches especially enjoy this. In addition to the nature trails, there are waterway trails, a designated picnic area with grills and picnic benches, non-motorized boat launch, floating dock launch, informational kiosks, parking area, and more.

Address: 2921 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32225, Phone: 904-630-2489

Earl Johnson Memorial Park was created in 1990 and was named after Earl M. Johnson who lived from 1928 to 1968. Earl was the first African-American member of the Jacksonville Bar Association and he spend much of his life dedicated to civil rights endeavors throughout Florida. You can spend your time at the park partaking in several activities such as fishing on one of the two fishing lakes which are available there or playing a game of soccer on one of the 8 youth soccer fields. Other amenities that are available include bike racks, concession stands, picnic shelters, drinking fountains, night lighting, and easily accessible parking.

Address: 5308 St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Formerly the site of the Dunes Golf Course, the Ed Austin Regional Park is a 144-acre outdoor space that was established in 1994. Today, there are so many different aspects of the park that visitors can make use of. One of its most popular features is the Fore Palms Disc Golf Club, which is one of the city’s top disc golf courses. The 18-hole layout includes a carefully-designed course with tree-lined fairways which will challenge plays of varying skill levels. Other aspects include soccer fields, lighted baseball fields, a walking trail, a playground, designated picnic areas, and a community center operated by the Police Athletic League.

Address: 11751 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, Phone: 904-630-2489