Exploring Riverside Park

Metro Jacksonville's Lauren Parker and Andrew Smith take a stroll through Jacksonville's second oldest public park: Riverside Park.

Originally included as a part of the 1869 plat of Riverside, Riverside Park is Jacksonville's second oldest public park. Actual development of the historic park began in the early 1890's. The park includes several walkways, a fountain, a basketball court and a playground. In the past the park used to include a bandstand, tennis courts, a carriage lane and several decorated stone bridges. In 1907 it had been one of the South's nicest parks. It is approximately 11 acres and has been restored by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) since the destruction made by a storm in 1997, where 52 trees were lost.

Located next to Park Street in Riverside, the park is still a nice area to go and spend an afternoon. Inside the fountain are ducks and Canadian Geese eager for edible handouts. The playground includes a jungle gym, a swing set and two sets of areas with slides. This park is a good place to bring your kids and enjoy an afternoon in the shade.

Welcome to Riverside Park.


Early 20th Century Riverside Park

Courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, https://floridamemory.com/items/show/4620

Riverside Park in 1906. Courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, https://floridamemory.com/items/show/25608

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, https://floridamemory.com/items/show/13023


Next Page: Riverside Park Today



Riverside Park in 2013. Photographs by Andrew Smith









Play with your kids






This space is great for a soccer game







Show the birds some love as well










And at the end of the day, don't forget your hat.

The address for Riverside Park is:

753 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204

Article by Lauren Parker. Photography by Andrew Smith.