JACKSONVILLE, FL — May 11, 2026 — The revitalization of Metropolitan Park along Jacksonville’s downtown riverfront is receiving significant national and international attention. Most notably, the project has been named a finalist in the 2026 Architizer A+Awards, recognized as one of just five projects worldwide in the Unbuilt Landscape category.
Developed by Denver-based design firm, Civitas, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, the Metropolitan Park redesign reimagines the underutilized riverfront site as a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic public destination. The plan integrates expansive green spaces, flexible event areas, improved ecological systems, and enhanced access to the St. Johns River, while prioritizing flood protection and long-term environmental performance.
The public is invited to show support for the project by voting through May 14, 2026, in Architizer’s online Public Choice award platform and selecting Metropolitan Park within the Unbuilt Landscape category. (Free registration with Architizer is required to vote.)
The project has also been featured in Urban Land magazine in a recent article by Civitas Principal Scott Jordan, highlighting its innovative approach to blending public space, climate resilience, and urban activation.
Metropolitan Park is the result of a highly collaborative effort, led by Civitas in partnership with:
- Halff (Local Partner/Landscape Architect/Environmental Engineer)
- Hanson Professional Services (Civil Engineer)
- Zinn Architecture + Interiors (Building Architect)
- ADBC Architects (Pavilion Architect)
- Acuity Design Group (Community Engagement)
- Populous (Event Planning)
- Event Risk Management Solutions (Event Security)
- Morales Consulting Engineers (Marine Engineer)
- Ohmega Group (Lighting + Electrical)
- ETM Associates (Operations + Maintenance)
- Meskel Engineering (Geotechnical)
- Smith Survey (Survey)
- Peters & Yaffee (Transportation)
- Russel Rowland Inc. (Structural Engineer)
- nMotion (MEP)
Located adjacent to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home stadium and a key anchor of the city’s $1.1 billion North Riverfront development, the revitalized park is set to play a central role in establishing the area as a year-round amenity for residents and visitors alike.
The proposed design takes inspiration from the Gullah Geechee tradition of basket weaving – a cultural reference important to the Out East neighborhood and its descendants – as it weaves together spaces, geometries, and materials to unify what was previously a fragmented park. A series of flexible gathering spaces accommodates events both large and small, while new amenities and expanded programs aim to increase year-round use and diverse user appeal.
Civitas’ proposal introduces a 100-foot-wide “Living Edge” along the St. Johns River. This naturalized buffer zone, positioned between the existing bulkhead and the park’s active areas, adds three feet of storm surge protection while creating a sponge-like landscape of native plantings. Elevated boardwalks, gathering decks, and an expanded community dock allow visitors to engage with the river without sacrificing sustainability or ecological integrity.
The multidisciplinary team is currently advancing through the detailed design phase, with groundbreaking anticipated in the coming months. The City recently announced Haskell as the Construction Manager (CMAR) for the Metropolitan Park project. As the project moves closer to realization, it continues to stand as a model for forward-thinking waterfront redevelopment on a global stage.
For interviews, images, and additional information, please contact Kate Wilkins of Agency PR at civitas@agencypr.co.
