James Weldon Johnson Park

Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 and contracted with the City of Jacksonville to revitalize the city’s first and most historic public park. James Weldon Johnson Park is located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, adjacent to City Hall, the main branch of the Jacksonville Public Library, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Our mission is to transform James Weldon Johnson Park into a modern, urban space that engages diverse communities and restores vitality to our city’s public square. We accomplish this by adding and maintaining landscaping and amenities and providing daily programming. Our park ambassadors and security welcome and share information with our guests while ensuring that James Weldon Johnson Park is clean and safe. Our programming is informed and supported by a variety of community partnerships.

The park includes two performance stages; Charlie’s Cafe, an outdoor dining area; a Kids’ Zone with whimsical sculptural seating and turf play area; beautiful landscaping; and several public art projects. Regular programming includes live music and food trucks each Monday through Friday; children’s activities; and weekend festivals and markets.