Ringhaver Park

There's a lot to do here. Massive open soccer field area at the front with bathrooms, a small playground and a concession when there are league games. Drive to the back and there is a big playground space with the biggest slide I've ever seen at a public park. Saw a kid go down t and it disnt seem dangerous at all. Further to the back is a hiking trail. Bikes are allowed but mountain bikers would have 0 interest in it and can be ridden by a beach cruiser. There is a dock where you can launch a kayak but its exactly 1/2 a mile from the parking lot. I did a full lap and walked all the way to the water and it was 1.75 miles back to the parking spaces. I didn't do the trail way in the back that branches off but the trails are short and flat. Its Florida after all. But this is a very nice space for a walk. There are also 4 softball fields in the back area. The fields are in very good shape right now but were closed when I went as these are only open with reservation.

Don't miss the big playground in the back. I first saw the little one in the front and almost left. So glad I didn't. Great walking trail too!

Used the trail with the dogs this morning. 100% of this 1.6 mile loop is paved. ADA and stroller accessible. Bathrooms were dirty and sink didn’t work. Also a lot of trash in the park. People need to clean up after themselves better.

Visiting from out of town and brought my dog here for a walk in the Ortega Stream Valley Trail. When entering, I drove all the way back and parked near the courts, which is where the trail starts. There are also fields and tennis/pickleball courts. There is also a really nice/new enclosed playground back there that would be fun for the kids. I didn't see many people on the trail, even on a Saturday and kinda wished I had someone else with me, so heads up ladies if you plan to go alone. The trail is paved and just meanders through the forest. It's really nice and also has a good amount of shade. It felt secluded and was quiet. My dog was a bit spooked as there seems to be a shooting range in the distance so we did not make it all the way through the trail. FYI if you have a dog who gets anxious by these sorts of sounds. I visited on a Saturday morning around 11AM and maybe the shooting quiets during other hours of the day, but I wouldn't bring my dog again at this time.

Tuesday 10/29/2024 Took my kid to Ringhaver today to once again be disappointed and saddened by the inability of the city of Jacksonville Parks department to keep up with the parks maintenance. When we arrived in the main entrance we were greeted with what looked like a rundown park with a broken main gate. Driving back to back to the new playground you're greeted with more trash along the drive. Once we got to the park, we walked in and the place was disgusting. Trash littered the Pavillion and playground. The families that were present were not able to use the entire play area due to disrepair of some things and feces that covered the inside of the big slide and dirty baby wipes at the end of the slide. Restrooms were filthy, building, gates, fence in need of repair and playground. Pavillion area needs pressure washing, smells , trash cans need up keep. Sad to see such a nice donation succumb to Jacksonvilles inability to maintain its own facilities!