Three years after closing for reconstruction, Met Park Marina in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, held its grand opening on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, joining a series of developments along the St. Johns River.

With a $33 million USD investment, the project unfolded over roughly 21 months, beginning in November 2024 with the demolition of the former city dock and progressing through dredging and dock installation before the marina, bulkhead and riverwalk were completed in June 2026.

The rebuilt Met Park Marina now offers 78 slips for transient and seasonal boaters, with finger piers for vessels from 30-50ft (nine to 15 metres) and side-tie spaces for vessels from 50-400ft (15-122 metres), including two slips for water taxis.

Boaters have access to 30-amp, 50-amp and 100-amp power, water hookups and in-slip pump-out services, along with fuel, laundry and shower facilities, while the ship store provides boating supplies, food, drinks and other essentials.

Located along the St. Johns River adjacent to EverBank Stadium and Metropolitan Park, the marina connects with the expanding Riverwalk network and sits near One Tower Court and the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences. The Jacksonville Florida Times-Union reported that its opening follows recent work on Friendship Fountain, Riverfront Plaza, RiversEdge and the Riverfront Music Garden.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, mayor Donna Deegan said: “The opening of Met Park Marina today marks more than just the completion of another project. It marks another step in the ongoing transformation of our parks, our Downtown and our city as a whole. The word is out that Jacksonville is a wonderful place to live, work and play, and downtown is at the center of our progress. It’s all thanks to projects and partnerships like this one.”

The City of Jacksonville owns and funded the marina, partnering with Shanna Collective on its development. Iguana Investments handled the construction, while Hal Jones Contractor led the project as the design-build firm. Moffatt & Nichol provided design support, Bellingham Marine built the docks, and Kasper Architects and Auld & White Constructors handled the design and construction of the marina support building, respectively.

For F3 Marina, Met Park Marina is its first Jacksonville location, adding to a portfolio spanning more than 10 US states and international markets. As the marina’s operator, F3 said the reopening has received positive feedback from the boating community as well as business, government and community leaders.

The company also sees the opening as the start of its longer-term role at the site, with plans for continued investment in the marina. Further changes are also ahead, as the park space and riverwalk are set to be renovated through an upcoming city project. 

“Met Park Marina is about connection – to the water, to downtown, to the sports and entertainment activities, and to one another. F3 Marina is proud to be part of this opening, and we look forward to helping make this a destination for boaters, fans, diners, families and visitors for many years to come,” said John Matheson, president and co-owner of F3 Marina.

Images courtesy of City of Jacksonville, Florida.