From Vacant Stretch to Vibrant Space

“Today we are doing something generations of Jacksonville residents have really just dreamed about,” said Deegan. “We are turning what was once an underused, mostly vacant stretch of riverfront into a welcoming public park that truly belongs to everyone in Jacksonville.”

RiversEdge includes four parks: Heartbeat Park, named for its defining art piece; Central Park, the main gathering area; “The Gym,” dedicated to active fitness and featuring a playground, yoga lawn, and interactive games; and Healing Gardens Park, focused on spirituality and meditation.

District 5 Councilman Joe Carlucci, who represents the Southbank, was present with his two sons. He invoked the film “Field of Dreams” in his remarks.

“Build it, and they will come. It’s literally happening right here before our eyes,” said Carlucci, gesturing behind him to the dozens of children playing on the newly opened playground.

Local parent Selma Kesedzic heard about the ribbon cutting on the news and brought her four homeschooled children to watch. She said she wanted to give her kids the opportunity to get out and meet others in the community.

“I’m actually from Europe, so I wanted them to experience something a little different. Everything is confined and surrounded by traffic noise, and this is something a little different,” said Kesedzic.

Community advocate Tracy Thornton attended the ceremony with her mother. While she said she was excited about how beautiful the new space is, she also hopes to see equal investment across Jacksonville’s communities.

“You’re standing here, and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is really beautiful.’And I know a couple of really great views of the Trout River that would benefit from the same attention,” said Thornton.

One of the partners who made the project possible was Dallas-based Preston Hollow Community Capital. According to CEO and Chairman Jim Thompson, Preston Hollow has been working on RiversEdge since 2020 and has invested $100 million.

“There’s still a lot more to do – we’ve got sites here for condos, multifamily buildings, as well as hopefully a hotel and an office building,” said Thompson. “What we’ve learned being involved now with Jacksonville for five years is that this is a city where things can get done.”

Carlucci reiterated that sentiment, pointing to the dog park, tennis and pickleball courts, and other nearby future development.

“This truly is kind of a first step in the park – it’s a big one – but we still have three or four more parks that we’re going to be planning,” said Carlucci.