JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Memorial Park, one of Jacksonville’s most beloved public spaces, is preparing for a new chapter as the city works to preserve its beauty and history in the face of increasingly damaging storms.
Located along the St. Johns River in the historic Riverside neighborhood, Memorial Park is both a local retreat and a nationally recognized tribute to fallen soldiers. First dedicated on Christmas Day in 1924, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
Now, nearly 101 years later, city officials are pushing forward with a redesign plan to protect the park’s historic charm while improving its climate resilience.
“Memorial Park is the jewel of Jacksonville,” Ron Rothberg said, owner of Art Bikes Jax, who regularly stops at the park during his guided bicycle tours. “It was dedicated to those who died in World War I. This is one of the nation’s most acclaimed World War I memorials.”
The park’s central sculpture, “Spiritualized Life” by Charles Adrian Pillars, stands as a prominent memorial in a city that has weathered its share of environmental and historical change.
In recent years, Memorial Park has suffered repeated damage from hurricanes, including Irma, Nicole, Idalia, and most recently, Helene. The concrete balustrades that line the riverfront have crumbled from storm surge and age, prompting the city to install temporary barriers.
Despite the damage, the park remains a cherished green space for locals and tourists alike.
“Family, fun, bonding, connection, exercise, pets, fishing,” Sherry Ballard said, while visiting the park. “It’s beautiful. You need a shade tree, some peace, some nature. It’s very relaxing — meditation, reading. It’s diverse. You can do anything here.”
The City of Jacksonville confirmed it is moving forward with a “redesigned waterfront plan” aimed at striking a balance between historical preservation and modern storm protection.
“Be proud, Jacksonville,” Rothberg said. “We have something here that is world-class. This park, this statue — and when you sit here and watch dolphins jump in front of the skyline, those are the most amazing things that happen across Jacksonville.”
For many residents and visitors, Memorial Park offers more than just views — it’s a place of reflection, recreation, and belonging.
“I love Memorial Park specifically because I just love the water,” Shavonne Williams said, who recently moved to the area. “It gives me a chance to see a different side of Jacksonville. Being that I’m not from here, seeing this area always makes me want to stay.”
The city’s redesign plan is expected to move into its next phase in the coming year — timed to align with the park’s 101st anniversary.
Community leaders said the project is about more than restoration; it’s about protecting a shared space that means something different to everyone who visits.