A new interactive, musical-themed waterfront park behind the Times Union Center for Performing Arts Heritage Music Park in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, will promote community engagement while celebrating the city’s rich cultural and musical heritage. The strategic location and connection to Jacksonville’s riverwalk provide excellent views of the St. Johns River, creating a harmonious blend of nature, music and community.
Hanson led the site-civil design, collaborating with a team of specialists in structural, landscaping and electrical services for the Center for Performing Arts Music Heritage Park. The first phase involved upgrading sidewalks along the riverwalk to enhance accessibility and provide a safe experience for parkgoers. These enhancements, including surface treatments, served practical purposes and elevated the park’s overall aesthetic.
The second phase focused on the park’s overall design. Hanson’s civil engineering services included field investigations, demolition planning, geometric layout, grading and drainage plans, sediment control measures, utility adjustments and obtaining necessary permits. The objective was to develop a park that vividly incorporated musical “nodes” and interactive kiosks, allowing visitors to engage deeply in Jacksonville’s musical heritage. Key design elements included structures extending over the river and a central treble clef note.
A highlight of the park will be the Music Heritage Garden, which honors local musicians and composers through interactive art elements and a dedicated walk of fame. This pathway will feature the names of artists and composers associated with Jacksonville, alongside a modern outdoor projection venue accentuated by a sculptural projection tower. A children’s music play area will also offer a safe and stimulating environment for young parkgoers to explore their musical creativity.
Other notable features include various pavement types, steps with railings, segmental planters, seating walls and synthetic turf areas. The park will showcase a helix-shaped park gateway element and a retaining wall around a large oak tree, created in partnership with a local metal shop. Furthermore, the Downtown Investment Authority is developing a nightly projection show and acquiring interactive artwork to honor the city’s musical legacy.
Throughout the development, coordination with nearby initiatives — such as replacing a bulkhead along the St. Johns River, enhancing Pearl Street and developing Riverfront Plaza — has been essential. This collaboration smoothed the process of integrating the Musical Heritage Garden with its surroundings, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the area.
