JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A major cleanup and redevelopment project is underway at Lonnie C. Miller Regional Park, where city leaders say long-planned improvements will transform the park into a larger recreational hub for Jacksonville’s northwest side.
The project focuses on removing and safely containing old incinerator ash that was historically used as backfill in parts of the park. Environmental engineers say the work is part of a remediation effort to address potential contaminants while preparing the land for future park amenities.
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Jeffrey Foster, solid waste and environmental engineering manager for the city’s Solid Waste Division, said the cleanup covers more than 40 acres.
“This project is the ash remediation program, where incinerator ash from regular garbage was burned and used as backfill,” Foster said. “Regulations changed, so we had to come in and remove potential contaminants of concern.”
The city divided the project into two phases to allow part of the park to reopen sooner.
Foster said the first phase — the area closest to the section of the park currently in use — is expected to reach substantial completion by the end of March, with final work wrapping up by the end of April. Once that phase is finished, Jacksonville Parks and Recreation will begin installing amenities such as athletic fields and gathering areas.
Work is already underway on the second phase of the project, which extends closer to the Ribault River. That portion is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
City officials say the project represents a significant investment in the community, with remediation costs totaling more than $22 million.
District 10 Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman said the upgrades have been years in the making and will bring long-needed improvements to the area’s only regional park.
“This is the only regional park on this side of town, and it’s used a lot,” Pittman said. “To be able to add new fields, buildings and amenities that can attract tournaments will be a real asset to this community.”
Pittman said the park improvements could also boost economic activity in the surrounding area by attracting visitors and encouraging new businesses to open nearby.
Plans for the park include athletic fields, trails, pavilion space and additional parking. City officials said community input helped shape the park’s master plan, with residents participating in several public meetings during the planning process.
Once both phases of the remediation project are complete, city leaders say the park will be fully prepared for expanded recreational development and community events.
Foster said the park is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.