Jacksonville Beach Parks & Recreation

04/16/2026

Ocean Safety: RIP CURRENTS 🌊

If you find yourself caught in this dangerous water formation swim to the side, or relax and let the current take you out until a lifeguard can come help you.

Ocean safety matters for all of us whether you surf, swim, or just spend time at the beach. It keeps you safe and could help a neighbor, too!

As always, check with a lifeguard before swimming, swim with a buddy, and stay safe, Jacksonville Beach!

03/31/2026

Ready, set… HUNT 🐣🥚
Join us at Wingate Park!
10:00 AM – ages 2 & under
10:15 AM – ages 3–4
10:30 AM – ages 5–6
10:45 AM – ages 7–8
Bring your basket and don’t be late — these eggs go fast.

03/24/2026

Ready to build your masterpiece in the sand?
Registration for the 47th Annual Sandcastle Contest is open — but not for long.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in Opening of the Beach weekend! The Sandcastle Contest is April 25, starting at 12:00 PM.

Register by March 31!

Grab your team and claim your spot before it’s gone: https://orlo.us/cojbsandcastlecontest2026_8POLd

03/17/2026

Cradle Creek Preserve is temporarily closed due to a fallen tree that damaged a section of the boardwalk. A tree company will be on site to remove the tree as soon as possible. Once cleared, City crews will begin securing and repairing the damaged handrail.

At this time, the park is expected to reopen on Friday, March 20, pending completion of the work and confirmation that the area is safe for public access.

We appreciate your patience as we work to restore the park safely.

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of the men and women who gave everything in service to our country. 🇺🇸

At the City of Jacksonville Beach, we remember that our freedoms are not free—they were earned through the bravery of our fallen heroes.

This Memorial Day, may we reflect with gratitude and strive to live in a way that honors their legacy.

03/12/2025

02/28/2025

📢 The 2024 Ocean Rescue Year in Review is here!

Check out the report by going to: https://jacksonvillebeach.org/569/Ocean-Rescue-Division-Reports

🌊Key Highlights:
✅ Achieved more division-wide goals, updated best practices, and increased our standards. Doing this has kept the Ocean Rescue Division at the forefront of progress and innovation in public safety!
✅ Expanded and increased professional growth and development training programs for our personnel.
✅ Increased participation in community education events.
✅ Increased beach & ocean safety subscribers who receive real-time information.

10/03/2024

📢 Attention Paws Park Members! 🐾

Gate Repairs Update:

We’re excited to inform you that the repairs on our park gate are nearly complete! 🛠️

Important: On October 10th, the gate’s locking mechanism will be reactivated.

What You Need to Do:

1. Visit Our Office: Please come to our office at 2508 S. Beach Pkwy. Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm
2. Submit Updated Information/Renew: Bring your updated park membership information and shot records.
3. Get Your New Key FOB: Receive a new key FOB for park entry.

Deadline: Please complete these steps before the locking system is fully restored on October 10th to ensure uninterrupted access to the park.

Thank you for your cooperation and for being a valued member of Paws Park!

For questions or assistance, contact us at 904-247-6236

Thank you!

Jacksonville Beach Parks & Recreation

07/24/2024

HUGE shoutout to our Jacksonville Beach Lifeguards!

In the Southeast Atlantic Lifesaving Association (SALA) Regional Competition, it is not just about exhibiting skills but the athleticism that it takes to save lives - and your Jacksonville Beach Lifeguard team placed THIRD!

The USLA Code of Ethics states that lifeguards will “Maintain high standards of fitness, recognizing that their strength, stamina, and physical skill may mean the difference between life and death.” Agencies from around the region sent a team comprised of proficient and skilled guards to compete to see which team would take away the victory. Our Jacksonville Beach team competed in the large beach category, which had 16 teams, spanning from Virginia to Northeast Florida. We’re proud of our guards for placing third overall and landing on the podium in several other events.

07/04/2024

Don’t let your fun day beach day turn into a bad day. Check out these tips from our Ocean Rescue Team!

Max Ervanian, a training and operations officer with Ocean Rescue, said there are three things you need to do before you leave the house to better ensure your safety on the sand and in the water.