Reconnecting Jackson, Mississippi to the Pearl River
Riverfront Park reconnects Jackson to the Pearl River by transforming underutilized city-owned land into an accessible public park for recreation, gathering, nature conservation, and connection to the city’s growing trail network. The project will reclaim previously disturbed riverfront land as permanently protected public open space with multi-use trails, wetland boardwalks, river overlooks, a kayak launch, river landing, open lawns, native landscapes, and an outdoor amphitheater.
From forgotten landfill to riverfront park
Riverfront Park reclaims a former municipal landfill and underutilized industrial riverfront as a public park. The landfill will be capped and transformed into a dramatic public landform overlooking downtown Jackson and the Pearl River, while native landscapes, restored wetlands, riparian habitat, and green infrastructure improve ecological function throughout the site. Recreation and conservation are intentionally integrated, creating new opportunities to walk, bike, paddle, explore nature, and experience the Pearl River while permanently protecting this landscape as public open space.
2030 Riverfront Park Vision
Existing Conditions, 2026
ADVOCACY + PLANNINGThe Jackson River District Partnership was founded to advance the planning, development, stewardship, beautification, and activation of public spaces, parks, trails, riverfront access, conservation areas, green infrastructure, public art, community programming, and related placemaking initiatives in and around the River District and riverfront areas of Jackson, Mississippi.
Riverfront Park will convert underutilized City-owned riverfront property into a new public outdoor recreation destination. Proposed park elements include a grass berm, a connected system of multi-use trails, wetland boardwalks, river overlooks, a kayak launch, boat docks, a grass amphitheater, a performance stage, a beach and sand bar, natural play spaces, public restrooms, native landscapes, wetland restoration areas, parking, site furnishings, shade elements, lighting, wayfinding signage, and supporting water, sewer, electrical, and accessibility infrastructure.
Connecting Downtown Jackson to Nature Through Parks & Trails
The project will expand recreation access beyond the park itself by connecting Riverfront Park to Jackson’s growing trail network. The site is positioned to link directly with the Museum Trail Greenway, Downtown streets, and future trail extensions toward South, West, and North Jackson. These connections will allow Riverfront Park to function as a central recreational hub within a larger citywide system, increasing opportunities for residents to reach parks, trails, cultural destinations, neighborhoods, and the Pearl River without relying exclusively on a vehicle.
Increasing Access to Outdoor Recreation
The grass berm at Riverfront Park creates a flexible gathering space overlooking the Pearl River, offering opportunities for outdoor exercise, picnicking, relaxation, and community events. Surrounded by native landscapes, the elevated lawn provides open views of the river while integrating with a network of accessible walking trails that loop around the berm and connect to other park destinations. The multi-use landscape combines recreation, scenic overlooks, and community gathering within a natural riverfront setting.