What is "I Dig Jax"?
- Track progress on City infrastructure and park projects
- Review timelines and design updates
- See how the City is transforming Downtown and beyond
“I Dig Jax tells that story — the story of both dirt turning on a range of projects, and people getting excited about their city as we continue to grow. I’m very glad to be able to share these updates and to proudly proclaim that I Dig Jax!”
~ Mayor Donna Deegan
EXPLORE FEATURED PROJECTS
VIEW COMPLETED PROJECTS
IN-PROGRESS
HOGAN STREET CYCLE TRACK
The Hogan Street Cycle Track is an Emerald Trail segment that will provide a connection between the future Hogan Creek Greenway trail and the Northbank Riverwalk. Within Downtown, the Hogan Street segment will feature a cycle track along the west side of Hogan Street, adjacent to the pedestrian sidewalk. To accommodate this design, Hogan Street’s one-way roadway will be reconfigured, reducing it from two travel lanes to one. This transformation will extend from West State Street to Bay Street, creating a safe and inviting corridor dominated by pedestrian and bicycle activity. The final block, from Water Street to the Northbank Riverwalk, will transition into a shared-use side path, ensuring a seamless connection to the riverfront.
Status: Construction starting September 2025
MAIN STREET BRIDGE MODIFICATIONS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Beginning August 24, 2026, construction will begin on the Riverfront Plaza Main Street Bridge Nub Removal project. This work is the first step in creating a permanent pedestrian connection from the Main Street Bridge to the new Riverfront Plaza.
During construction, southbound traffic on the Main Street Bridge toward Riverplace Boulevard will be reduced to one lane, and the pedestrian walkway along the southbound side of the bridge will be closed. Pedestrians should follow posted sidewalk detour signs for rerouted access. Northbound traffic will remain open with two lanes throughout the project.
Motorists and pedestrians traveling between Downtown’s Northbank and Southbank should anticipate delays and plan for alternate routes during the construction period.
Construction Start: August 24, 2026
Anticipated Completion: January 30, 2027
Contractor: The Haskell Company
METROPOLITAN PARK
The revitalization of Metropolitan Park breaks from the heavily programmed and formalized park spaces typical of other riverfront parks. The proposed design focuses on a nature-based park experience that supports events of all sizes. With a resilient living edge river landscape, the design invites the community to explore and play in nature daily. Currently, the design concepts include The Tailgate Plaza, The Ramble, The Performance Lawn, and The Resilient River Edge.
Status: Concept plan is being finalized, and the formal design will begin in Fall 2025.
Expected Completion: Funding for construction will be available in Fall 2026. Once construction begins, it should take 12 to 18 months.
Riverwalk Rebuild Completion: Expected 2028
Learn more about the Metropolitan Park Revitalization and project timeline at revitalizingmetropolitanpark.com.
NORTHBANK & SOUTHBANK RIVERWALK STATUS
The Northbank and Southbank Riverwalk system is being improved and extended in phases alongside several major riverfront projects. The timelines below reflect the most current estimates for reopening and new construction along the riverfront.
- McCoys Creek Span (Northbank): Riverwalk segment expected to reopen in January 2026.
- Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / Music Heritage Garden (Northbank): Riverwalk area anticipated to reopen in Spring 2026.
- Riverfront Plaza Park – Phase 1 (Northbank): Riverwalk opening along Riverfront Plaza Park targeted for the end of November 2025.
- Riverfront Plaza Park – Phase 2 (Northbank): Riverwalk opening estimated for December 2027 or January 2028.
- Berkman Plaza to Shipyards West Park (Northbank): A Riverwalk connection in this area is already constructed.
- Relocated MOSH Site (Northbank): Riverwalk improvements are expected to be completed around the museum’s revised opening date of January 30, 2029.
- Four Seasons Hotel Corridor (Northbank): Substantial completion of the Riverwalk segment is targeted for August 30, 2026, per the Second Amended and Restated Redevelopment Agreement.
- Metropolitan Park Riverwalk (Northbank): The Riverwalk will be rebuilt in conjunction with park construction and is expected to be completed in 2028.
- Southbank Riverwalk – Eastern Extension: This section is scheduled to open by mid-December 2025.
SAFE PARKS INITIATIVE
The City of Jacksonville’s Safe Parks Initiative aims to enhance park safety and connectivity through fixed cameras, public Wi-Fi, and AI drone technologies.
Project Overview
Phase One: Upgrading security cameras at 12 parks; public Wi-Fi at 4 parks.
Timeline: February to September 2025.
Current Progress
Security cameras have been installed at the following parks and community centers:
- Patton Park
- Adolph Wurn Park
- Memorial Park
- Cecil Gym and Fitness Center
- Legends Center and Gymnasium
- Mary Lena Gibbs Community Center
- Clanzel T. Brown Community Center
- Lonnie C. Miller Sr. Regional Park
- Agricultural Extension Office Admin and Canning Center
- Southside Community Center
Next Steps: Ongoing coordination for remaining locations and upgrades.
SHINDLER DRIVE (COLLINS TO 103RD)
This 3-mile roadway improvement project will enhance vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian safety along Shindler Drive between Collins Road and 103rd Street. The existing rural two-lane roadway will be reconstructed into an urban roadway with curb and gutter, widened to three lanes except through a preserved oak tree canopy section, which will remain two lanes. The project includes 10-foot shared-use paths on both sides, upgraded drainage with inlets and storm pipes, bridge culvert replacement at Mile Branch Creek, intersection turn lane improvements, streetlight installation, and utility coordination. No new ponds will be constructed, and tree preservation is prioritized along the canopy corridor.
Status: In Design
Construction Start: Summer 2026
Expected Completion: Summer 2028
SHIPYARDS WEST
Learn more about Shipyards West Park and the project timeline at shipyardswest.com.
ST. JOHNS RIVER PARK & FRIENDSHIP FOUNTAIN
The City opened the new Friendship Fountain in February 2024 with a waterfall wall and nightly choreographed light shows. Work is underway on the remaining construction of the park, themed around “Exploring the St. Johns River.” The space will feature a history-themed play park, restrooms, a wedding venue, picnic areas, and interpretive gardens to help tell the story of the city’s founding and the American Heritage River at the heart of our city.
Status: Under Construction. Playground is complete, and restrooms and pavilions are in progress.
Expected Completion: Spring 2026
COMPLETED
ADAMS & FORSYTH TWO-WAY: PHASE ONE
The reintroduction of two-way travel on our Downtown streets has been a priority in the Downtown master plan for decades. This initiative has been reinforced through subsequent Mobility Plan Updates and transportation projects, with dedicated tax increment funding from the Downtown Investment Authority allocated for implementation. Restoring two-way streets is proven to encourage economic growth, boost property values, and support more efficient use of on-street parking and rideshare services. It also enhances retail visibility and occupancy rates, improves walkability and pedestrian safety, increases sidewalk activity, and elevates residential demand and quality of life. This transformation begins Downtown with Forsyth and Adams Streets, both of which run through the DIA’s targeted dining districts. Project work included two-way conversions, signalization, paving, striping, sidewalk expansion areas, parking kiosks, sidewalk widening, tree planting and enhanced streetscapes.
Construction Status: Completed
LASALLE STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
This two-phase infrastructure project will reduce flooding along LaSalle Street and in the surrounding San Marco neighborhood by upgrading the stormwater collection system. Improvements include a new pump station, stormwater outfall, and expanded underground drainage.
Phase 1 Status: Completed
Phase 2 Status: Completed
Full Project Timeline: 2024–2026
Key Project Features:
- New stormwater pump station and outfall
- Expanded network of drainage pipes and inlets
- Improved flood protection for homes and streets
- Phased construction to minimize neighborhood impacts
LONE STAR ROAD: PHASE 1
Phase 1 of the Lone Star Road Improvement Project focuses on the segment from Mathews Manor Drive to Tredinick Parkway and is a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow, pedestrian accessibility, and roadway safety in Council District 1, represented by Council Member Ken Amaro.
Phase 1 broke ground in March 2025.
Phase 1 Construction Status: Completed
Phase 1 Project Features:
- Roundabout Enhancements: Upgrades to the existing Solera Terrace Roundabout to improve traffic circulation and safety.
- Shared-Use Path: Construction of an 8-to-10-foot-wide asphalt path for pedestrians and cyclists, spanning from Mathews Manor Drive to Tredinick Parkway.
- Roadway Lighting Enhancements: Installation of modern lighting infrastructure to improve nighttime visibility and overall safety.
- Landscape & Hardscape Enhancements: Aesthetic and functional improvements to public spaces, including enhancements to the roundabout area.
Phase 2
Following the completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 of the Lone Star Road Improvement Project is in the final design phase. Phase 2 will extend the improvements westward from Mathews Manor Drive to the Mill Creek Road intersection and will include:
- Additional roadway and drainage enhancements to support long-term infrastructure resilience.
- A signalized intersection at Mill Creek Road to improve traffic operations and pedestrian safety.
- A dedicated left-turn lane into the Global Outreach Academy to facilitate safer school access.
- Expanded pedestrian and bicycle facilities to enhance multimodal connectivity for residents and commuters.
The City of Jacksonville is committed to ensuring the successful completion of both phases, with continued coordination among local agencies, utility providers, and stakeholders to minimize disruptions and maximize community benefits.
MCCOYS CREEK OUTFALL
The McCoys Creek Outfall project transforms the area through a comprehensive creek restoration project. The project widens and deepens the creek, increasing its capacity and reducing the risk of flooding. The project also involves removing concrete culverts, “daylighting” the creek, and reintroducing natural flora and fauna. Additional project elements include the construction of a new pedestrian bridge that provides access to a future riverfront park, replacement of the bulkhead along the creek channel, and reconstruction of the Riverwalk overpass. The project enhances connectivity in Downtown by creating new recreational opportunities and completing another link of the Emerald Trail. Visitors and residents will be able to kayak along the restored creek and enjoy pedestrian-friendly pathways, blending nature with urban living.
Construction Status: Completed
MUSIC HERITAGE GARDEN
The waterfront of the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts has been transformed into an engaging, dynamic park that celebrates Jacksonville’s rich musical heritage. Features include the Musical Heritage Garden, which honors local musicians and composers through interactive art elements and a dedicated Walk of Fame. The park also includes children’s musical play equipment and a cutting-edge outdoor projection venue.
To further enrich the experience, the DIA is curating a nightly projection show and acquiring interactive artworks that pay tribute to the city’s storied music legacy, creating a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
The Walk of Fame is a pathway embedded with the names of artists and composers who have ties to Jacksonville, ensuring their contributions are permanently celebrated within the park’s landscape. To guide this effort, the DIA assembled a committee of local historians, musicians, authors, and industry professionals to develop selection criteria and recommend honorees.
Construction Status: Completed
PARK STREET ROAD DIET
Park Street has been transformed into a shaded multimodal street, seamlessly connecting LaVilla and the Regional Transportation Center with the Five Points and Riverside neighborhoods. The project focused on upgrading roadway infrastructure in the Brooklyn neighborhood to boost pedestrian and bicycle connectivity while improving safety for all users. Enhancements include sharrows, on-street parking, wider sidewalks, narrower roadway widths for safer crossings, and the addition of street trees for shade and accommodation of sidewalk cafes. These improvements link Park Street to the Emerald Trail and McCoys Creek Greenway, fostering economic growth by creating an inviting and attractive environment for businesses and retailers. Patrons of local retail establishments also have access to public parking available nights and weekends in the Florida Blue garage on Forest Street.
Construction Status: Completed
RIVERFRONT PLAZA: PHASE ONE
Phase 1 of Riverfront Plaza includes an elevated destination playground on top of a park pavilion building, a large flexible event lawn, as well as a new bulkhead, riverwalk, and a plaza space connecting Riverfront Plaza to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The park pavilion building includes a small café space, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and storage space to support the park.
Phase 1 Construction Status: Completed
Phase 1 Opening to the Public: Early 2026
Phase 2
Phase 2 of Riverfront Plaza will include a beer garden, rain garden, and a bike and pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge.
Phase 2 Status: Construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed, including the adjacent Riverwalk segment, by December 2027 or January 2028.
RIVERSEDGE PARKS & BOARDWALK: PHASE ONE
(Marsh Park, NE Park and Boardwalk)
The RiversEdge development will include more than four acres of public park spaces, including a large central riverfront park featuring an iconic sculpture and a flexible lawn bordered by a walking track and a pavilion. A destination playground designed to provide fitness equipment for adults and children will be featured in another park area, and a yoga lawn will be featured in a third. Active water access abounds with a marsh boardwalk and an extension of the Southbank Riverwalk, as well as transient boater slips and a kayak launch site. These various public spaces will inspire healthy living through art, exercise, gardens, and interactive features.
Construction Status: Completed
Opening to the Public: Open