PARK CLOSURES, OPENINGS & ONLINE RESOURCES

Public Health & Safety Regarding Coronavirus COVID-19

 

OPEN: City parks and preserves.

OPEN: State parks in Jacksonville are open with restrictions. Closing times have changed effective July 27. See below for detail.

OPEN: National park sites – some trails and boat ramps in the Timucuan Preserve.**

CLOSED: National park sites – Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation.

See below for lists of parks.

*Effective May 4 with restrictions. See below for details and to find out which parks are which.
**Effective May 5.

Timucuan Parks Foundation is the nonprofit that provides programming, funding, and volunteers for Jacksonville’s natural areas including but not limited to the city’s nature preserves, state parks, and national park sites. Our park partners are City of Jacksonville, Talbot Islands State Parks (Florida State Parks), and the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve (National Park Service). TPF is the official friends group of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

For more information, please contact us at info AT timucuanparks.org.

WHICH PARKS ARE WHICH

City of Jacksonville/JaxParks

Beaches and city parks reopened April 17, and restrictions to opening times and beach activities were lifted May 6 but social distancing is still in effect.

Public restrooms may not be open. Please read below about Hanna Park and Huguenot Memorial Park which have beach access.

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, although leased and managed by a separate entity, is open effective April 22 with restrictions.

City Beach and Park Restrictions

Restrictions to opening times and beach activities were lifted May 6 but social distancing is still in effect.

From City of Jacksonville press release:

“Parks that are owned and operated by the City of Jacksonville will resume normal hours starting at 5 p.m. Friday, April 17. However, Mayor Curry’s Executive Order that limits gatherings to fewer than 50 people, still stands. In addition:

  • City of Jacksonville golf courses will reopen during normal operating hours, but individuals must follow social distancing requirements
  • No overnight camping at Hanna or Huguenot parks is permitted
  • Playground amenity usage must follow social distancing requirements
  • No organized group activities are permitted – this includes picnics or gatherings, team sports, or any type of group activity
  • All park restroom facilities will remain closed
  • Pavilions and picnic areas will remain closed”
Hanna Park Hours & Restricted Amenities

Restrictions to beach activities were lifted May 6 but social distancing is still in effect. The beach and park resumed regular hours Monday, May 4:

  • Open seven days a week, 8AM – 8PM*
  • 6 – 8AM: Early Bird & annual passes required for early entry, prior purchase required

The office and camping will remain closed until further notice. Guidelines for park activity:

Please note:

  • Admission fee required for each entry
  • Pets permitted in designated areas, must be on a leash
  • No overnight camping
  • No picnics or gatherings
  • Picnic pavilions, picnic tables and associated grills are closed
  • Park restrooms are closed; Portalets are available for use.
  • Please follow all CDC guidelines concerning social distancing.

*The front gate closes to entry 30 minutes prior to closing time. The main office will remain closed until further notice, no camping is permitted and reservations are not currently being accepted. They will be unable to sell Annual and Early Bird Passes until the office reopens.

Huguenot Memorial Park Hours & Restricted Amenities

Restrictions to beach activities were lifted May 6 but social distancing is still in effect. The beach and park resumed regular hours Monday, May 4:

6AM – 7PM with admissions closing at 6PM.
No camping, events or shelter rentals.

Please note:

  • Admission fee required for each entry
  • No pets allowed at the park
  • No overnight camping
  • No picnics or gatherings
  • Picnic pavilions, picnic tables and associated grills are closed
  • Park restrooms are closed; Portalets are available for use.
  • Please follow all CDC guidelines concerning social distancing.

The front gate closes to entry one (1) hour prior to closing time. The main office will remain closed until further notice, no camping is permitted and reservations are not currently being accepted. They will be unable to sell Annual and Early Bird Passes until the office reopens.

City nature parks and preserves under Timucuan Parks Foundation’s purview that are open with social distancing restrictions:

Florida State Parks

Effective July 27, 2020: Little Talbot Island State Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Normal fees apply. Due to local orders, facial coverings or masks are required inside buildings for staff and visitor safety. The concession is closed. The Fort George Inlet Parking area at the south end of the island is closed. Restroom availability may be limited. All other park facilities are closed. Visitors are expected to maintain distances of at least six feet apart.

Effective May 21, campgrounds will reopen with modified procedures and amenities. Cabins remain CLOSED until June 9.

Effective May 4, these state parks in Jacksonville are OPEN for day use activities as part of phase one of reopening the Florida State Parks. “During this early phase of re-opening, visitors should expect limited hours, capacity and amenities,” according to the state parks safety update page.

Learn more at the Florida State Parks update page.

ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASS – EXPIRATION EXTENSION

Due to recent statewide park closures from COVID-19, Florida State Parks will honor all current Annual Entrance Passes for 2 months past the marked expiration date. This applies to passes purchased 3/1/2019 – 6/30/2020. Simply present your pass card, like normal, at the time of admission. Please visit the Florida State Parks annual pass page for more details.

National Park Service

Effective May 5, the following Timucuan Preserve sites are OPEN:

These sites remain CLOSED until further notice:

ONLINE RESOURCES

Reach the parks virtually with these resources as we stay-at-home to stop the spread of COVID-19:

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