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.

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.

Join us this Monday for a FREE & Family Friendly Memorial Day celebration! 🇺🇸☀️We’re bringing the community together for...
05/23/2026

Join us this Monday for a FREE & Family Friendly Memorial Day celebration! 🇺🇸☀️

We’re bringing the community together for an evening filled with food vendors, live music, face painting, and fun for the whole family! We’re especially excited to spotlight all of the incredible local vendors who make events like this so special. ❤️

Bring your friends, bring the kids, and come spend Memorial Day with us! Band starts at 6pm. Location: Memorial Park

🇺🇸 FREE Admission
🛍 Local Vendors
🍴 Food + Treats
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly Fun

Shoutout to our amazing vendors: Millie's | Yatusabe Consaborllc | Chinchilla's Eats On The Streets | Jennifer's Hot Dogs | Milu Live Arts

We can’t wait to see everyone out there!

Mark your calendars, Jacksonville! The Memorial Park Association, in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville, is hos...
05/22/2026

Mark your calendars, Jacksonville! The Memorial Park Association, in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville, is hosting a free Memorial Day Concert & Picnic on Monday, May 25, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. Grab your folding chairs or blankets and join us at Memorial Park for an evening honoring those who served. We can't wait to see you there! 🎶
Visit ➡️ memparkjax.org/events for more details.

The real beauty of Memorial Park? The community that fills it. We love seeing familiar faces and new ones gathering in t...
05/19/2026

The real beauty of Memorial Park? The community that fills it. We love seeing familiar faces and new ones gathering in this space we all call home 🌳

There's something special about Memorial Park in May; the greenery is lush, the flowers are vibrant, and the community i...
05/11/2026

There's something special about Memorial Park in May; the greenery is lush, the flowers are vibrant, and the community is alive with energy. If you love this space as much as we do, consider becoming a donor and helping us keep it beautiful year-round. Your contribution goes directly toward park improvements, landscaping, tree care, and the essential work that keeps everything running smoothly, because a place this special is worth protecting.

Join a community of people who believe in preserving this Jacksonville treasure.

Support the park today 🌿➡️ https://memparkjax.org/donate/

There is always something beautiful blooming in Memorial Park. Take a walk this weekend and see what you can find 🌿🌷
05/09/2026

There is always something beautiful blooming in Memorial Park. Take a walk this weekend and see what you can find 🌿🌷

There are so many ways to soak up the park this spring, from flower spotting to dog watching and everything in between. ...
05/06/2026

There are so many ways to soak up the park this spring, from flower spotting to dog watching and everything in between. How many can you check off your list? 🐾🌷

Your Sunday reset is waiting. 🌿 Join Yoga Den Avondale for yoga under the trees, a free class in the park to stretch, br...
05/01/2026

Your Sunday reset is waiting. 🌿 Join Yoga Den Avondale for yoga under the trees, a free class in the park to stretch, breathe, and start the week feeling good.

FREE class | May 3 at 9:30 AM 🧘‍♀️

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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