JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A beloved park in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood is set to undergo a significant transformation.
Peace Memorial Park, located off Park Street between Mallory and Cherry Streets, will soon feature a new labyrinth and other enhancements, thanks in part to a generous donation from Wayne and Delores Weaver.
The Weavers are beloved philanthropists who’ve made significant contributions to Northeast Florida over the years. They’re also the original owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Councilmembers Matt Carlucci and Jimmy Peluso filed legislation to help get the project off the ground as a partnership between several entities and the city of Jacksonville. Carlucci said this began with a phone call he received from Wayne Weaver himself last July.
“We just had the sweetest conversation,” Carlucci recalled. “He said, ‘Matt, I think there’s a park over here and my brother and I would like to do something to honor my mother.’ I was so touched.”
Carlucci said the two of them went to the park for a look-see and agreed, it was perfect. The Weavers have pledged $735,000 toward the project. Additionally, Riverside Avondale Preservation has raised $130,000 to build a unique labyrinth, further enhancing the park’s transformation.
The renovation plans include a variety of features designed to enhance the park’s beauty. The park will be adorned with numerous flowers, honoring Wayne Weaver’s mother’s love for them. While some design ideas are still in the works, the plan is to also have swings, landscaping, lighting, and places for people to stroll and sit. Carlucci shared details about the planned informational displays, which will highlight the contributions of the Weaver family, the significance of the labyrinth, and the partnership with the city.
“There’s a great big oak tree where all the limbs have fallen almost to the ground,” Carlucci said. “They’re going to trim those up so people can get under the canopy. They’re going to put a little stage under there to not only protect the roots, but for a group that may want to set up and play songs.”
Councilman Carlucci emphasized that the Weavers’ intention is to support and do something good for the Riverside Avondale neighborhood.
“They don’t want to overshadow anything. What they want to do is help, and that’s what they do,” Carlucci said. “And that’s what they have done, and that’s why they’re a beloved family here in Jacksonville.”
While the park renovation is still in the design stages, Carlucci said construction is expected to begin in October, with completion anticipated by March.
