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Programming includes wellness classes, family playdates, cultural events and back-to-school celebrations JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park will continue to offer free, family-friendly community programming for all ages in August, including special back-to-school events. From family wellness activities to back-to-school celebrations, the Vibrant Places Collective, a community-led group of historians, LaVilla natives and community leaders, invites people of all ages to connect, move and recharge at 120 Lee Street. “We consider this park to be a sacred space, and we invite the community out to gather, as you would at family reunions during the summer,” said Carla Jones, Jacksonville Black history storyteller and facilitator for the Vibrant Places Collective. “There’s something for everyone, celebrating all ages. We have a pure-water mister, shade trees and vendors selling frozen treats so you can comfortably enjoy yourself outside.” The August lineup features two new special events: - STEM in the Park with The ScienceSIS Foundation
Sat., Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“STEM & Stillness: Rise + Shine in the Park” is a 90-minute, family-focused event hosted by The ScienceSIS Foundation. Designed to help students in kindergarten through eighth grade prepare for the new school year, the event combines mindful movement, breathing exercises and body-based STEM learning in a calm, welcoming environment rooted in wellness and confidence building. - LIT on the Lawn
Sun., Aug. 24, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Led by the University of Phoenix Jacksonville Alumni Chapter in partnership with Ebri Education, this joyful literacy event encourages families to bring their own books, picnic blankets and lawn chairs for an afternoon of reading and learning in the park. The theme for the event is “BYOB – Bring Your Own Book.” In addition to these special activations, the park offers free events each week throughout the month, including: - Senior Fit Series, designed for ev’ry body and especially focused on those with limited mobility or interested in a low-impact fitness experience – Chair Yoga and Music & Motion (Tuesdays at 10 a.m.)
- Ev’ryBody Yoga, featuring different certified instructors each week leading participants through a variety of forms of flow and meditation. Bring your own mat! (Thursdays at 6 p.m.)
- Lift Ev’ry Voice Heritage Tour with Yollie, a guided walking tour celebrating James Weldon Johnson, educator, activist, and author of the Black National Anthem. The tour weaves storytelling, music and history through key LaVilla landmarks, honoring Johnson’s legacy and the resilience of Jacksonville’s African American community. Suitable for all ages. (Held every first Saturday at 10 a.m.)
- The Playdate, a joyful blend of movement, connection and healing for families that promotes both physical and mental wellness through play. The August 9 Playdate will feature a back-to-school supply drive for students and teachers. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/theplaydatejax/ (Held every second Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Walk & HIIT with Body Precepts, a fun, energizing 3-mile walk with HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) checkpoints designed for every fitness level that is sure to get your blood pumping! (Held every last Saturday of the month at 7 a.m.)
- Line Dancing Class with Jazzco, learning popular urban line dances like Boots on the Ground, the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle and more in this high-energy, all-ages workshop (Held every last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.)
- Sunday Funday Market, a downtown experience for families, friends, neighbors and shoppers. Each month features music, games, food and vendors offering everything from apparel to personal care and cultural goods. (Held every third Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
The Vibrant Places Collective is a community-led group that curates exciting, inclusive programming every week at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in the historic LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. The Collective is made up of historians, LaVilla natives and community leaders who have a connection to the park and the song. They are focused on honoring LaVilla’s history while celebrating its vibrant future, by lifting up local entrepreneurs, educators, and activators who bring the Park’s vision to life. Events are designed for ev’ryone, with a special focus on welcoming those who live, work, and play in LaVilla–including the neighbors and families who’ve called LaVilla home for generations. From yoga and line dancing to fitness classes and music festivals, all Collective-supported activities are free and open to the public. For a full list of events and registration details, visit levsparkjax.org/events. ### About Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park is a City of Jacksonville public park that incorporates elements of the Johnson brothers’ and LaVilla’s cultural and built history while making space for a more inclusive future. The park was designed by world-renowned MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” recipient Walter Hood and officially rededicated to the community in summer 2024. Visit levsparkjax.org and follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook to learn more.
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