Trevor Hughes, a presenter in the city’s Take 2 Tuesdays video, said Tuesday that the redesigned Gonzales Park in Jacksonville Beach is about two weeks from opening and will include a shaded playground, new pickleball and basketball courts, three restrooms and a large green space.

Hughes said the city has completed most of the work after a redesign process that included community input and council feedback. “Yes, it’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally here. We’re ready to open,” he said.

The park’s reopening matters to nearby residents and families because it restores recreation space and adds new amenities intended to increase play and safety. Hughes emphasized safety features planned for the playground and the park perimeter.

City presenters described a 3-foot-high fence that staff expect to install around the playground “by the end of next week” to keep children contained and safer while using play equipment. Officials also said the city will install a perimeter fence similar to the one that previously surrounded the park. The north end of the park, which is the sports field, still requires grading; Hughes said a bulldozer should arrive within a week or two to level that area so it’s ready for sports use.

Hughes noted the park has new courts for pickleball and basketball and a large shaded playground area; he also said there are three restrooms on site. He thanked the community for patience during the project and said only a few finishing items remained.

The city posted the update in its Take 2 Tuesdays series; no formal vote or permitting details were discussed in the video.