Riverfront Parks

[jaxlongtimer]

Hope this leads to more protections of our riverfront Downtown and maybe more access throughout the rest of Duval County.  One can hope...!

Tony Moore named Jax Riverfront Alliance CEO
The former Dallas park conservancy executive also has experience in Florida.

Jax Riverfront Alliance, a nonprofit focused on enhancing Jacksonville's riverfront, has named Tony Moore as its first CEO, the organization announced in an Oct. 28 news release.

Moore, who comes to Jacksonville from Dallas, will lead a newly created organization focused on year-round programming, activation, fundraising and enhanced maintenance of the parks that front the St. Johns River Downtown.

Moore has more than 30 years of experience in "large-scale civic development initiatives, strategic operations, and destination park management," according to a release from the alliance. He most recently worked for the Trinity Park Conservancy in Dallas, where he served as president and CEO leading the design, construction, and operational development of 250-acre Harold Simmons Park.

Moore has previously worked in Central and South Florida, including at SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Zoo Tampa.

Moore will focus on creating the alliance's operational and programming standards in his initial year, the organization wrote. 

"I'm delighted that the JRA has selected a strong leader in Tony Moore," Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said. "We look forward to partnering with Tony and his talented team to continue the rapid growth we're enjoying with Jacksonville's dynamic new riverfront parks. These beautiful spaces are already drawing tens of thousands of visitors to our downtown waterfront, and as JRA moves into its next phase, we only anticipate those numbers to grow, enhancing downtown and the city as a whole."

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/oct/28/tony-moore-named-jax-riverfront-alliance-ceo/

[Ken_FSU]

Moore, who comes to Jacksonville from Dallas,

I wonder if Jax had to send any compensatory picks to Dallas along with Nat Ford to get him?

On the surface, a fantastic strategic hire. Hoping we arm him with the programming budget necessary to succeed.

[MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain]

Speaking of which, is this a silent move to activate the riverwalk + program it in such a way that it's pulling in additional tourists? Making it a gathering place to showcase the riverwalk and city with a short term goal of hosting the NFL draft?

After all, he does have experience in a big city that hosted la copa mundial. But what does this new program actually do?

And how does this not overlap with other positions and authorities such as Jax Parks and DVI? Eric Dunn does an amazing job getting the word out. We're now paying yet another CEO and staff when in a few days we could be strapped for cash.

Timing seems off, unless there is some inclination that A3 won't pass. Because how do you create this new program?

JTA/JEA have been scrutinized publicly for years. Some have mentioned DIA should go (though this one is needed), and city council should be managing this. DVI seems like it should work more closely with the Chambers and DIA. And all these programs seem like they do little to no communication with the other.

[fsu813]

Speaking of which, is this a silent move to activate the riverwalk + program it in such a way that it's pulling in additional tourists? Making it a gathering place to showcase the riverwalk and city with a short term goal of hosting the NFL draft?

No. This has been in the works for years, since the combination of DuPont and Riverfront Parks Now spearheaded the idea of a riverfront conservancy.

But what does this new program actually do?

And how does this not overlap with other positions and authorities such as Jax Parks and DVI? Eric Dunn does an amazing job getting the word out. We're now paying yet another CEO and staff when in a few days we could be strapped for cash.

Ultimately, it will be main POC, overseer, caretaker, and programmer of the high profile riverfront parks in Downtown Jacksonville. These roles will be phased in over time as funding and capacity grows.

It wouldn't overlap because conservancies have agreements with city's to handle specific roles. That's why high profile parks elsewhere are as desirable as they are - they receive extra attention from some type of conservancy.

Timing seems off, unless there is some inclination that A3 won't pass. Because how do you create this new program?

JTA/JEA have been scrutinized publicly for years. Some have mentioned DIA should go (though this one is needed), and city council should be managing this. DVI seems like it should work more closely with the Chambers and DIA. And all these programs seem like they do little to no communication with the other.

This has been in the works for 4+ years. It's a private entity, not another city agency or city authority. JRA has been very engaged with DIA/DVI.