Jacksonville Ordinance Directs Upgrades to Friendship Park and Popular Fountain

Jacksonville's Friendship Park and fountain are set for upgrades, including LED lighting. New porous paving, in keeping with the recently adopted Miami streetscape standard, will replace the old impermeable concrete. More landscaping, grass and trees are also planned.

Friendship Park in Jacksonville, Fla. and its expansive fountain opened more than 40 years ago.

After all those decades of use, the fountain has some repair issues and the surrounding concrete expanse has lost some luster.

On Feb. 9, Jacksonville City Council enacted an ordinance appropriating $3.1 million to restore the fountain and make significant improvements to Friendship Park. Two days later, the Downtown Development Review Board of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission unanimously approved the final plan.

JBC Planning & Engineering presented the design. Landscape architect Chris Flagg also worked on the design. Grass and other landscaping will replace much of the current park hardscape. Mr. Flagg told the local media the plant materials will conform with new regulations requiring low water consumption and that much of the new hardscape will be porous, in line with the recently adopted Miami streetscape standard.

The existing tree canopy will be preserved and more trees planted.

The fountain and park lighting will be upgraded to LEDs.

Project permits are anticipated within a month.