JaxParks

Mallison Park and Center is located in the Lackawanna section of west Jacksonville. Originally known as the Lackawanna Playfield (later Playground), it opened in 1929 as the City’s premier athletic facility, which included a swimming pool, a football field with encircling cinder track, a baseball field, and more. In 1968, The City renamed the facility in honor of the Superintendent of the City’s Recreation Department from 1929 until 1968. Nathan L. Mallison (1897-1968) was a sports enthusiast who excelled at canoeing and glider flying, and also served as president of two state recreation associations and received awards for recreation activities provided to service men throughout World War II. During the 1970’s the City built a new pool at the park, and completed construction of a community center in 1980. In 2004, the park still hosts numerous athletic events such as track meets and rugby football. A new playground was installed Summer 2023.