Duval County Parks and Recreation
Duval County’s key city, Jacksonville, has the largest park system in North America, with its 300 public and recreational spaces and 22 community centers. With this outrageous number of parks, you might be able to visit a different park every day during a leap year, and not repeat one. We haven’t done the math, but it’s probably around there. Anyway, here are some of our favorites.
103rd Street Sports Complex
This 14 acre park features a rarity in parks and recreation, its very own Go-Kart track. This .5 mile track is completely lighted and has its own bleachers, grills, restrooms, and parking. The North Florida Kart Club operates out of this track and plays an active role in its maintenance as well as improvements via fundraising efforts. The NFKC also hosts regional and national races at the 103rd Street Sports Complex.
Huguenot Memorial Park
This peninsular park allows its visitors to take a walk out onto a narrow strip of land surrounded by the ocean waves. Activities like swimming, kayaking, surfing, camping, fishing, and natural trail walking all abound here. Huguenot is also considered to be the premier birding site in Duval County. Part of the park is designated critical area for shorebirds and wildlife. For more info visit https://www.timucuanparks.org/huguenot-memorial-park/.
Earl M. Johnson Memorial Park
Named for the first African American member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, this park is known for its wide variety of activities. As soon as you will arrive, you will find out that soccer is one of the main attractions when you see the giant soccer ball statue near its entrance. Here you can have a soccer game at one of its 8 soccer fields, which are also used by the Jacksonville Youth Soccer Club. There is also an additional, multi use field, a concession stand, and restroom facilities. Cast your rod out at one of its 2 fishing lakes, and have relaxing afternoon. More information is available at https://www.theclio.com/web/entry?id=9821
Duval is an insane place to visit for parks and other recreational opportunities. Connect with your community and spend some time in the outdoors while taking advantage of the incredible number of options in this great Florida County.