Jacksonville's Eight Oldest Parks

6. Willowbranch Park - 1916



The 15.42-acre Willowbranch Park straddles the path of Willowbranch Creek in Riverside. Initial phases of the park's development were spearheaded by former City Councilman John J. Griffin. Additional acreage would be acquired southeast of Park Street between 1921 and 1925. Along with land, lots of landscaping materials would be acquired, with a generous donation of azaleas donated by Dr. Harold Hume. In 1930, the Willowbranch Library opened up in the park. Located at 2870 Sydney Street, it has remained known as one of the most picturesque parks.



5. East Jacksonville Park - 1910

Former site of East Jacksonville Park (Palm Square)

East Jacksonville Park was located in what is now considered the Stadium District. At one time, this section of downtown was a suburb of Jacksonville that was separated from the city by Hogans Creek. When it was annexed by Jacksonville in 1887, East Jacksonville's population had grown to 1,939.

In 1910, the park occupying a full city block was developed and bounded by Adams, Monroe, Van Buren and Georgia Streets. Also known as Palm Square, it included a water fountain as a central design element. Like most of the old community of East Jacksonville, it no longer exists today. During the 20th century, it became one of over 30 blocks leveled for the continuous expansion of the Sports District and its associated surface parking lots. Today, the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville stand on the location of this early Jacksonville public space.


The sidewalks and mature landscape of East Jacksonville Park can be seen in the lower center of this 1952 aerial. (State Archives of Florida)