Duval County

City still working on hurricane damage at parks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Crumbling docks and temporary fencing are part of families’ views at city parks in Jacksonville.

Damage has yet to be repaired years after Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.

“I would think it would probably be completed by now,” Gloria Cook said.

She was among dozens of families that were out soaking up the sun at the Northbank Riverwalk Friday.

Along her walk, an eye sore: The city’s floating docks left crumbling years after Hurricane Matthew damaged them in 2016.

An Action News Jax investigation in July 2019 uncovered 11 parks still needed repairs.

Seven months later, seven city parks still need work.

At Memorial Park in Riverside, the stone handrails still need to be replaced. Metal fencing has lined the river for going on 2 1/2 years.

“We like to go fishing. We’re waiting on the pier,” Maria Powers said.

In July, the city blamed the holdup on FEMA and the slow reimbursement process.

The city said the combined cost of hurricane damage at all city parks was $24.5 million.

Action News Jax requested the total payout from FEMA Friday. We’re still waiting to hear back.

Families said they'll be glad to see the work finished.

“It’s very important. I see people on their lunchtime running, walking, getting fresh air and exercise. It can’t get any better than that. We need the parks,” Cook said.

Projects recently completed or underway:

Hurricane Matthew damage:

1. Jacksonville Beach Pier: Project is under construction.

2. Northbank Riverwalk Floating Docks: Project has been awarded and is in the contract phase.

​3. County Road Dock Pier: Project is complete.

4. Trout River Dock: Project is complete.

5. Jim King Boardwalk: Project is in progress.

6. Arlington Lion’s Club Park boardwalk and fishing pier: Project is complete.

Hurricane Irma damage:

7. Joe Carlucci Park: Project is complete.

8. Blue Cypress Park Boardwalk: Construction is underway, almost complete.

9. Metropolitan Park Wooden Dock: Project is in the design and permitting phase.

10. Memorial Park Update: Project has been designed and is in the bid process.

11. Wheat Road Park: Project is in the process of being designed.