Parks & Recreation

Overview

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is committed to a thriving local park system, the opportunity for our residents and visitors to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles, and the preservation of the natural beauty of our environment. Explore the many ways Parks and Recreation is making our communities happier and healthier by providing a place where it all comes together – a sense of community, an appreciation of history, and a respect for nature.

A kayaker watches a sunset from a patch of vegetation in a river.

Discover SJC Parks & Recreation

Parks bring community, history, and nature together.

SJC Parks & Rec News

Porpoise Point Vehicular Access Ramp Project Completed Over a Month Ahead of Schedule

St. Johns County has reopened the Porpoise Point vehicular access ramp after completing its improvement project over a month ahead of schedule. Watch this timelapse video to see the work completed in half a minute.

SJC Purchases 33 Acres Near Fairgrounds for Future Park Project

St. Johns County has purchased 32.9 acres of land from the Sykes Family Limited Partnership for the future development of a regional park site that will serve residents in the southern portion of the County.

Silverleaf Sportsplex and Shearwater Community Park Under Construction

St. Johns County is currently constructing the Silverleaf Sportsplex and Shearwater Community Park, two new community park facilities designed to provide recreation, athletic space, and gathering areas for residents. Both are expected to open in early 2027. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight the projects.

Parks and Recreation Hosting 2026 Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon

On April 26, the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 2026 Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center (1300 Duval St., St. Augustine).

Kids Triathlon April 26 | 7:15 a.m.

Get ready to swim, bike, and run in this year’s exciting Kids’ Triathlon at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center! Youth ages 5–14 will compete in a real, timed triathlon, divided into three age groups: 5–8, 9–11, and 12–14. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, a finisher medal, and an official event photo.

 

We’re excited to welcome a new race director this year, along with a new Parent/Child division designed to give younger or first-time participants the comfort and confidence of racing with a parent by their side. This family-friendly event is a great way to build confidence, encourage healthy activity, and celebrate accomplishment. Just Tri It!

Just Tri It Sponsorships

Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon. Swim, Bike, Run! St. Johns County Parks & Recreation 2026

Interested in becoming a sponsor, donor, volunteer, or vendor?

Sponsorships are now available for the upcoming Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon 2026, a program designed to be fun, confidence-building, and welcoming for young athletes of all experience levels. Early sponsor support through the St Johns County Parks Foundation helps enhance the experience for our participants and keeps the program affordable for families across St. Johns County. This year’s race includes several exciting upgrades you won’t want to miss! Just Tri It! Flyer (PDF)

SJC Parks & Recreation Recognized as a Certified Autism Center

Children play at a playground in St. Johns County. The Certified Autism Center logo is pictured at the bottom of the image.

In April 2024, St. Johns County Parks & Recreation earned the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

This distinction follows a comprehensive staff training program, heightened awareness efforts, and an on-site review of county parks and facilities.

Learn more about the celebration of this milestone

Resources