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Parks Division
The City of Atlantic Beach features active and passive parks throughout the community, providing opportunities for recreational enjoyment. In addition, the City has more than two miles of white sandy beaches with ocean access, as well as a paddle trail in the Dutton Island and Tide Views Preserve (400 acres of marshland) on the Intracoastal Waterway.
To report a maintenance concern with a City park, please email info@coab.us.
For information about Recreational Permits or Special Events, please contact the Cultural Arts and Recreation Department at (904) 247-5828. To reserve a park pavilion or Community Center, click here.
Additional resources:
Disability resources:
- Do you have an idea to make the City of Atlantic Beach parks more accessible for everyone? Email info@coab.us or call (904) 247-5804. Meanwhile, check out our Learning and Living with Disabilities Guide and Blog.
Here is a spotlight on all of our parks and community centers. Head to an individual park's page to find more detailed information.
Address: 268 Aquatic Drive
Location: Intersection of Dewees Avenue, Coquina Place, and Shell Street
Address: 1 West 1st Street
Address: Ocean Boulevard, Seventh Street and East Coast Drive
Named after Richard Bull. Located at 716 Ocean Blvd. A memorial rock honors the memory of Richard Bull, Robert B. David, Jack J. Ahern Jr and Solomon Sturdivant. An active park with the following amenities a tennis court, grill, playground, half basketball court, public restroom, and an open play area. Bull Park is also home to Adele Grage Cultural Center and Gulliford Hall.
Address: 716 Ocean Boulevard
Located in Bull Memorial Park, the Adele Grage Cultural Center and Gulliford Hall consist of 2,500 square feet with a meeting/reception room (open for public reservation), a full-use kitchen, computers, a small theater, and the City of Atlantic Beach Recreation and Special Events offices.
Address: 2072 George Street
Named after E.H. Donner. An active park located at 2072 George Street with the following amenities: baseball/softball field, a flag football program, soccer practice field, pickleball courts, tennis courts, playground, two pavilions, two basketball courts, grills, and public restrooms.
Donner Park is home to Gail Baker Community Center, which has a large community room, and a full kitchen -- and is available to reserve for parties and other events. The Center is home to the City's annual Fall Festival, Movies in the Park, and Holiday Toy Party, and has activities that include Homework Assistance/Tutoring, Senior Activities, and more.
Address: 1600 Dutton Island Road West
A passive park with the following amenities: 9,000 feet of nature trails, camping area, a fishing and viewing area, a canoe/kayak launch, pavilions, picnic area, and restrooms. A marked canoe trail navigates a paddle to Tide Views Park. Reservations are required for camping.
Location: North side of Fairway Villas Drive
Location: Center median of Plaza drive between the 5-way intersection and East Coast Drive
Address: 810 Seminole Road
Named after former Mayor Billy Howell, Howell Park is a passive park that has more than 2,000 feet of trails, a picnic area, and ponds.
Address: 800 Seminole Road
Named after James L. Russell. An active park with the following amenities: six tennis courts, two racquetball courts, Oceanside Rotary Skate Park, grills, three baseball/softball fields, a basketball court, a large pavilion, three picnic areas, two playgrounds, and a concession stand. Russell Park is home to the Atlantic Beach Athletic Association, First Coast Soccer, and Atlantic Beach Farmer's Market. Also at Russell Park, the City hosts an annual Family Fun Day and Camp Out Under the Stars in October for area families.
The Atlantic Beach Athletic Association is home to youth baseball and T-Ball leagues for boys and girls 3 to 12 years old. For more information on spring or fall sign-ups, call (904) 434-8283, email president@abbaseball.com, or visit the Atlantic Beach Baseball website.
Address: 1300 Seminole Road
Named after Preben Johansen. Located between West Park and East Park Terraces, Johansen Park is a 12-acre passive park in the Selva Marina neighborhood. Just blocks from the ocean, Johansen has a canopy of trees and grassy areas for picnicking.
This park hosts the Spring Arts in the Park with food and music and displays from many local artists; Theatre in the Park: Beaches WellFest; and the AB Jazz Festival. It also has an official City Heritage Tree.
Address: 1671 Francis Avenue
Named after Rev. William Holsey Jordan. An active park with a community center, playground, two basketball courts, two pavilions, grills, and public restrooms.
Jordan Park is also home to the City’s annual Egg Hunt held the Saturday before Easter and The Beaches Habitat for Humanity Educational Assistance Program.
A musical garden for people of all abilities sponsored by the Beaches Kiwanis Club and Florida League of Mayors!
Riverbranch Preserve Location: 350 acres of marshes between Dutton Island Preserve and Tide Views Preserve
W 6th Street Overlook Location: West end of West 6th Street
Address: 1 Orchid Street
An active park with the following amenities: a soccer field, playground, and dog park.
Location: 11th Street and Selva Linkside
Selva Preserve is a protected piece of land conserved for its environmental benefits and public use. The preserve provides vital wildlife habitat and helps with stormwater management for the surrounding community. It also has a beautiful trail for recreation and exercise.
History and Conservation
In 2018, the City of Atlantic Beach acquired the Selva Preserve property with assistance from the non-profit organization, The Public Trust. This acquisition was a "win-win solution" that allowed for the construction of five single-family homes on the upland portion of the property while preserving the wetland areas.
The name "Selva" is associated with the larger Selva Marina neighborhood, a well-established community that was once home to the Selva Marina Country Club. The country club, now the Atlantic Beach Country Club, and the surrounding residential area have a long history in the city, with the Selva Preserve being a part of this larger community.
Amenities and Activities
While Selva Preserve is a protected space, it's also designed for public enjoyment. The conservation agreement included a provision for creating a greenway, or trail, for the public to use. This enables residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The preserve is a testament to the City's commitment to balancing urban development with the preservation of natural landscapes.
Address: 1 Begonia Street
A passive park with the following amenities: a scenic view of the Intracoastal Waterway, 2,500 feet of nature trails, restrooms, canoe/kayak launch, a fishing area, and Sunset Pier.
Address: 1601 Seminole Road
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Phone: 904-247-5800 Ext. 5894
Click here to reserve amenities at one of our parks for parties and other events and activities, and to reserve beach wheelchairs (this amenity is free). For other information about recreational permits or special events, contact the Recreation Division at (904) 247-5828 or email recreation@coab.us.
- How can I reserve a park pavilion?
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Reservations can be made by visiting www.coab.us/recpermits. From there, you will need to create an account and then you will be able to find information on reservations, availability, and payments. A fee is required to obtain a permit. AB Parks with pavilions are Donner, Jordan, Russell, & Dutton Island Preserve. Contact the the Recreation Office at (904-247-5828) with any questions.
- Are permits required to use athetic fields and courts?
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To reserve athletic fields, please visit www.coab.us/recpermits.
Courts (tennis, racquetball and pickleball) are available for play on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are required and no non-City tournaments are permitted without special approval from the city manager. League play permits may be issued following a review of City protocols.
Questions? Want more information? Email recreation@coab.us or call (904) 247-5828 for information. - How do I report playground equipment requiring repairs?
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Please use the "Atlantic Beach Requests and Comments " on the left side banner of the home page, or call the Public Works Department at 904-247-5834.
- How do I reserve a facility for a meeting or event?
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Reservations can be made by visiting www.coab.us/recpermits. From there, you will need to create an account and then you will be able to find information on reservations, availability, and payments. Reservations can be made at an hourly rate plus tax plus $200 refundable deposit. You must include set up and clean up in your timeframe when reserving. Contact the the Recreation Office at (904-247-5828) with any questions.
- Do I need a permit for an event on private property?
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If the event is on private property and does not involve public streets, beaches, parks, etc, an event permit is not required from the City. However, if commercial size tents/equipment, banners, etc. is involved, you may need to contact the building department for a permit.
- Can I have a special event on the beach?
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Yes; complete a Special Event application for private event at www.coab.us/recpermits. Special event permits are $25 plus tax fr 4-hours. Call 904-247-5828 for more information.
- Can I camp at the parks?
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Yes - at Dutton Island Preserve. Please visit www.coab.us/recpermits to make a reservation and obtain a camping permit. The fee is $25 plus tax per night.
- Are wheeled beach chairs available at parks?
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Yes. Beach chairs for seniors and/or disabled are available for use on Atlantic Beach and in the parks. Please visit www.coab.us/recpermits to check availability and reserve. Chairs may be used at the beach accesses, parks or Dutton Island Preserve. There is no fee.
- Which parks have reception rooms for rental?
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Adele Grage Cultural Center at Bull Park, Jordan and Donner Parks have community rooms that can be reserved for meetings, parties/receptions, memorials, etc. Please visit www.coab.us/recpermits for availability and rental information.
- Can anyone use the skate park?
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Yes, the Oceanside Rotary Skatepark is open to the public for skateboarders only from 8 am to 10 pm, weather permitting. Helmets are required!!
- Can I bring my dog on Atlantic Beach beaches?
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Yes. LEASHED dogs are allowed on the beach during the day and evening. Dogs must be on a leash at all times unless both adult and pet are in the water together (see below). Pet owners must pick up and remove dog waste from beach and dispose of properly. Sec. 4-25. Leashing. No dog shall be allowed off the property of its owner unless the dog is fastened to a suitable leash of dependable strength not to exceed twelve (12) feet in length. Such leash must be attached to a fixed object or specifically held by a person capable of controlling the animal. On Atlantic Beach if dog and owner are in the Atlantic Ocean together, the dog shall be allowed to swim unleashed and then immediately put back on the leash before returning to the beach. This does not include walking the dog in the water. (Code 1970, § 4-4(c); Ord. No. 95-88-33, § 4, 4-25-88; Ord. No. 95-98-69, § 1, 10-26-98)
- Can I have a wedding on the beach or in a park at Atlantic Beach?
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Weddings are allowed on the public beaches and parks in Atlantic Beach. A special event application with a fee of $25 plus tax is required. Please visit www.coab.us/recpermits to apply for a permit.
- How can I pay for building rentals and permits?
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The Recreation office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (online) for payment. Check or money order payments must be received at least 2 weeks prior to your reservation. Please call (904) 247-5828 or visit the Recreation Office at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with any questions.