Memorial Park Association

Memorial Park Association The Memorial Park Association, Inc. Johns River. Designed by the renowned Olmsted Bros. Fishermen toss their lines over the balustrades into the St.
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is a non-profit corporation solely for the purpose of the restoration and preservation of Memorial Park, established in honor of the more than 1,600 Floridians who lost their lives in the service during World War I. THE STORY OF MEMORIAL PARK

Built by the people of Jacksonville to honor the more than 1,600 Floridians who died during World War I, Memorial Park, one of Jacksonville’s crown jewels,

was dedicated Christmas Day 1924 on the banks of the St. landscape architecture firm, Memorial Park stands at the heart of one of Jacksonville’s great neighborhoods, within walking distance of a flourishing restaurant district and just a few blocks down the street from one of the city’s cultural treasures, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, as well as the nearby Riverside Arts Market. When the weather is good, as it often is in Jacksonville, the park is crowded. Walkers, runners and cyclists circle through the park along the broad walkways. The great lawn is covered with people tossing Frisbees, kicking soccer balls, playing games of catch or just picnicking on blankets set on the ground. Since 1986, when the Memorial Park Association (MPA) was formed, the City of Jacksonville has been a partner in maintaining and nurturing this wonderful asset. The city provides security for the park and provides routine maintenance. MPA’s job is to fill in the gaps in routine maintenance, spending about $20,000 a year on park maintenance. But MPA does far more than assist in maintenance, taking on larger scale projects the city cannot or will not undertake. On MPA’s watch, Charles Adrian Pillars’ great sculpture “Life” has twice undergone restoration. Following major hurricane damage, restoration of the walkways and the landscape was completed in two phases by 2002. MPA completed fundraising and dedicated two new bronze eagles, designed and cast by Diane LaFond Insetta, in 2010. MPA typically hosts two major events in the park: a Memorial Day concert and a Veteran’s Day sunset concert, usually performed by the U.S. Navy Band Southeast or the Jacksonville Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Think you know Memorial Park?🦎🔍 Time to put that to the test! Head out to the park this weekend and see how many of thes...
06/23/2026

Think you know Memorial Park?🦎🔍 Time to put that to the test! Head out to the park this weekend and see how many of these you can spot hiding in plain sight. Drop a comment below and let us know how many you found!

As we welcome the first day of summer, Memorial Park is ready for you! From shady spots under the trees to stunning rive...
06/21/2026

As we welcome the first day of summer, Memorial Park is ready for you! From shady spots under the trees to stunning river views, there's no better place to embrace the season. Grab your blanket, bring your friends, and make some memories this summer☀️🌳

You may recognize the name Ninah Cu**er, but did you know she played a key role in shaping Memorial Park as we know it t...
06/19/2026

You may recognize the name Ninah Cu**er, but did you know she played a key role in shaping Memorial Park as we know it today?🌳

Ninah made the ultimate connection in 1922 when she invited the Olmsted Brothers to have a representative come to Jacksonville to discuss the park. She helped bring the park from an open vision to a purposeful plan. Leading the charge with her penchant for style and careful detail, she engaged in friendly debate with the Olmsted Brothers leading up to the construction of Memorial Park. Next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the vision of the woman who helped make it all possible.

Last month, we hosted another fantastic Memorial Day Celebration here at the park! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who...
06/18/2026

Last month, we hosted another fantastic Memorial Day Celebration here at the park!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, and a special shoutout to our amazing vendors and talented band for making the day truly special. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to see you at future events!🇺🇸

Memorial Park belongs to all of us, and it takes all of us to keep it beautiful. From healthy trees and vibrant seasonal...
06/11/2026

Memorial Park belongs to all of us, and it takes all of us to keep it beautiful. From healthy trees and vibrant seasonal blooms to park-wide improvements and everyday operations, every dollar you give goes directly back into this space we all love. Ready to make a difference?

Donate today and help keep Memorial Park thriving for years to come. ☀️ ➡️ https://memparkjax.org/donate/

Did You Know? Squirrels were brought into city parks in the 1800s to create a more natural, charming atmosphere for city...
06/09/2026

Did You Know? Squirrels were brought into city parks in the 1800s to create a more natural, charming atmosphere for city dwellers.

And they weren't the only ones — starlings and sparrows were also introduced to urban parks around the same time. People loved them so much that some volunteers handed out over 75 pounds of peanuts a week just to keep the squirrels fed! 🥜🐿️

Next time you spot a squirrel at the park, think of them as the original park locals!

Roll out your mat and breathe it all in. Join us this Sunday for Yoga in the Park, fresh air, warm sunshine, and expert ...
06/05/2026

Roll out your mat and breathe it all in. Join us this Sunday for Yoga in the Park, fresh air, warm sunshine, and expert flows brought to you by Yoga Den Avondale! 🌿

FREE class | Join us on June 7th at 9:30 AM for Yoga in the Park 🧘‍♀️

Memorial Park is your space to unwind, connect, and soak in nature. We'd love to see your favorite moments; drop your ph...
06/01/2026

Memorial Park is your space to unwind, connect, and soak in nature. We'd love to see your favorite moments; drop your photos and share your memories in the comments below!

Who designed the Spiritualized Life statue at Memorial Park? Meet Charles Adrian Pillars. 🌿 A nationally recognized scul...
05/28/2026

Who designed the Spiritualized Life statue at Memorial Park? Meet Charles Adrian Pillars. 🌿 A nationally recognized sculptor, Pillars was selected in 1920 to bring this stunning memorial to life. Trained in the Beaux Arts tradition under renowned Chicago sculptor Lorado Taft, he brought a grand, classically inspired style to the heart of Jacksonville.

Though the style was considered old-fashioned by the 1920s, Pillars believed it was the perfect way to honor those who served. He wrote that he "desired this memorial to present the idea of life, its struggle and its victory." More than a century later, his vision still stands.

If you would like to learn more, Dr. Wayne Wood has authored a 432-page book with over 200 photographs and drawings spanning nearly a century from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, called Life.

You can can purchase a copy for yourself or a loved one at Riverside Avondale Preservation.

Today, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Park stands as a per...
05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Park stands as a permanent reminder of that sacrifice right here in Jacksonville. As you enjoy the park this Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on the courage and selflessness of those we remember.

Address

1620 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL
32204

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 10pm
Tuesday 6am - 10pm
Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Thursday 6am - 10pm
Friday 6am - 10pm
Saturday 6am - 10pm
Sunday 6am - 10pm

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