Tommy Hazouri Sr. Park
Note: This ramp will be closed for asphalt repairs 10/28/24 to 11/1/24 as well as 11/4/24 to 11/5/24; however it will be open during weekend.
Tommy Hazouri, Sr. Park formerly known as Mandarin Park is located adjacent to Julington Creek in the Mandarin section of southeast Jacksonville.
A leading producer of oranges in North America for most of the 1800’s, the community acquired its name from the Mandarin orange that was grown there. The Mandarin Community Club, which was established in 1923, takes a very active interest in the area’s parks. When the development of Mandarin greatly accelerated after the Buckman Bridge opened in 1970, the booming population needed additional recreational facilities. The City purchased the park site in 1989, and together with the design firm, sought and received considerable input from the area’s residents about what facilities they wanted in the park. Former City Councilman Dick Kravitz was instrumental in the land acquisition and early development, which went on to inlclude the picnic area and nature trails in 1992, the pier in 1993, and the boat ramp in 2006. The park also includes playground, tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, and adaptable kayak launch.
The name change was introduced by City Council Members, Newby, Carlucci, Boylan, Priestly Jackson, Carrico, Freeman, Howland, White, Salem, Clark-Murray, and Defoor and Co-Sponsored by Council Members Pittman and Morgan in November 2022.
February 2024, a self-service paddle board rental kiosk was installed as a pilot test.