Parks and Facililties

Jacksonville, Florida, boasts the largest urban park system in the United States, encompassing over 400 public and recreational spaces.
These parks offer a diverse array of amenities, including neighborhood and regional parks, community centers, environmental parks, beaches, golf courses, aquatic facilities, boat and kayak launches, nature preserves, an amphitheater, an arboretum, and an equestrian center.

The management and oversight of these parks and facilities are the responsibility of the City of Jacksonville’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. This department serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through various programs and services, including recreation activities, conservation efforts, marine resources, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services.

In addition to municipal parks, Jacksonville is home to several state parks, such as Little Talbot Island State Park, which offers activities like camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, nature watching, and surfing.

The city also features federal facilities like the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, a U.S. National Preserve comprising over 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways. For those interested in exploring Jacksonville’s parks, the city provides a Park Search tool on its official website, allowing users to locate parks and facilities based on various criteria. Additionally, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offers a unique natural attraction with multiple ecosystems and trails for visitors to enjoy.