{"id":192643,"date":"2026-03-15T18:07:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/192643\/"},"modified":"2026-03-15T18:07:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:07:19","slug":"city-invests-more-than-22m-for-cleanup-upgrades-at-lonnie-c-miller-regional-park-in-nw-jacksonville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/192643\/","title":{"rendered":"City invests more than $22M for cleanup, upgrades at Lonnie C. Miller Regional Park in NW Jacksonville"},"content":{"rendered":"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 A major cleanup and redevelopment project is underway at Lonnie C. Miller Regional Park, where city leaders say long-planned improvements<\/a> will transform the park into a larger recreational hub for Jacksonville\u2019s northwest side.<\/p>\n

The project focuses on removing and safely containing old incinerator ash that was historically used as backfill in parts of the park. Environmental engineers say the work is part of a remediation effort to address potential contaminants while preparing the land for future park amenities.<\/p>\n

Jeffrey Foster, solid waste and environmental engineering manager for the city\u2019s Solid Waste Division, said the cleanup covers more than 40 acres.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project is the ash remediation program, where incinerator ash from regular garbage was burned and used as backfill,\u201d Foster said. \u201cRegulations changed, so we had to come in and remove potential contaminants of concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

The city divided the project into two phases to allow part of the park to reopen sooner.<\/p>\n

Foster said the first phase \u2014 the area closest to the section of the park currently in use \u2014 is expected to reach substantial completion by the end of March, with final work wrapping up by the end of April. Once that phase is finished, Jacksonville Parks and Recreation will begin installing amenities such as athletic fields and gathering areas.<\/p>\n

Work is already underway on the second phase of the project, which extends closer to the Ribault River. That portion is expected to be completed by the end of the year.<\/p>\n

City officials say the project represents a significant investment in the community, with remediation costs totaling more than $22 million.<\/p>\n

District 10 Councilwoman Ju\u2019Coby Pittman said the upgrades have been years in the making and will bring long-needed improvements to the area\u2019s only regional park.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the only regional park on this side of town, and it\u2019s used a lot,\u201d Pittman said. \u201cTo be able to add new fields, buildings and amenities that can attract tournaments will be a real asset to this community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pittman said the park improvements could also boost economic activity in the surrounding area by attracting visitors and encouraging new businesses to open nearby.<\/p>\n

Plans for the park include athletic fields, trails, pavilion space and additional parking. City officials said community input helped shape the park\u2019s master plan, with residents participating in several public meetings during the planning process.<\/p>\n

Once both phases of the remediation project are complete, city leaders say the park will be fully prepared for expanded recreational development and community events.<\/p>\n

Foster said the park is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. <\/p>\n

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