Spring Park is located on the beautiful St. Johns River. Access is available via Walnut Street, Magnolia Avenue, Spring Street and Ferris Street/St. Johns Avenue. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Spring Park hosts many of the City’s activities, such as our famous Memorial Day RiverFest held in May. Spring Park also includes state-of-the-art playground equipment for children of all ages and numerous covered shelters for family gatherings, picnics or just relaxing in the shade.
Spring Park is nestled serenely along the western bank of the St. Johns River. As the river’s cool breeze sweeps through the Park, the Spanish moss draping the beautiful oaks becomes animated and visitors are captivated by the majestic St. Johns River. Nature’s signature piece of art is the mystical spring. The water surges up from below at a rate that has at times exceeded 3,000 gallons per minute and at a constant temperature of 72 degrees. It flows out the spring, through the municipal swimming pool, and finally into Spring Run as it makes its journey to the St. Johns River some 200 feet away.
Enhancement of Spring Park is an intricate part of redeveloping the entire downtown historic district. The City Council had a vision for the future of this natural treasure. From there, a planning firm was chosen and the first draft was completed. The master plan was completed and the first phase implementation began in fiscal year 98/99. The City then obtained over $250,000 in FRDAP grants to purchase new playground equipment, build new sidewalks and picnic shelters and place decorative lighting throughout the Park. Enhancing the Park’s features is an ongoing project. Additional lands were purchased in 2004 for approximately $2 million with funding from a grant from the Florida Communities Trust Florida Forever Program. The new land is located adjacent to and along the St. Johns River and will be preserved as the ‘Green Cove Springs Nature Preserve.’ The environmentally sensitive property will include nature trails, canoe launches, observation decks, and an educational program for visitors.
South Dock Kayak Launch at Spring Park is open as of April 20, 2020. This new 150 ft. dock and kayak launch is part of the Spring Park Improvement Grant Program, funded by a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant program. Once funds are secured, this dock will also serve as storage for the Green Cove Springs Police Department boat.
Hours for the kayak launch are sunrise to sunset every day of the week.
