Miller Electric Company’s journey in revitalizing Jacksonville’s public spaces began in 2022, when we partnered with ACON Construction on a critical project at Freedom Park. The project, which demanded completion in a remarkably short 30-day timeframe, was a unique challenge. With typically long lead times on lighting, it was a tall order, but one we were able to execute with a commitment to reliability and availability. This successful collaboration helped kickstart a powerful partnership with ACON Construction, a commercial general contracting firm specializing in public buildings and community parks. Today, almost every public space we have touched in Jacksonville has been a collaborative effort between our two teams.

A Timeline of Transformation: Completed, Ongoing, and Upcoming Projects

Our growing portfolio of work on Jacksonville’s public spaces is a testament to this enduring partnership:

• Freedom Park: March 2022 
• St. Johns River Park Phase 1 (Friendship Fountain): 2023
• Emerald Trail Model Mile: May 2024
• Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park: June 2024
• St. Johns River Park Phase 2: July 2025
• Times Union Center Heritage Music Park: Upcoming
• Ivey Road Park: Upcoming
• St. Johns River Park Phase 3: December 2025

Spotlight on Iconic Projects 

St. Johns River Park (3 Phases including Friendship Fountain) 
Miller Electric played a pivotal role in the stunning renovation of Jacksonville’s Friendship Fountain. We installed a sophisticated new water, sound, and light system that brought the fountain back to life as a vibrant beacon of downtown. Since its reopening, the fountain has attracted over 600,000 visitors. The surrounding St. Johns River Park continues to be a focus of revitalization, with ongoing construction on a play park, a wedding venue, and new picnic areas.

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park 

In downtown Jacksonville, we were honored to help bring Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park to life. This stunning new park honors the iconic song by local legend James Weldon Johnson. We provided design-build electrical, lighting, and audio-visual systems, illuminating a restored LaVilla shotgun house and creating a unique performance space that celebrates African American history.

Emerald Trail Model Mile 

Miller Electric delivered the electrical infrastructure for the first 1.3 miles of Jacksonville’s new Emerald Trail system. This foundational segment included the installation of over 50 new light pole assemblies, various in-laid sidewalk uplighting, and six new meter stations. Our work on this initial stretch sets the stage for a 30-mile trail system that will ultimately connect 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown and the St. Johns River.

Upcoming Projects: A Look Ahead

Our commitment to Jacksonville’s public spaces continues with a slate of new projects. At the Times Union Center Heritage Music Park, we will be working on a 1.5-acre riverfront park that celebrates the city’s musical legacy, featuring an outdoor wall projection venue and a musical heritage garden. At Ivey Road Park, we will provide new electrical service to help transform a former sand dune into an “oasis” for the surrounding neighborhood. 

As a key partner in the revitalization of Jacksonville, we are committed to delivering the innovative electrical and technology solutions that are making our city a more vibrant, connected, and beautiful place to live. We’re actively shaping the future of our community, working to ensure a brighter, more connected Jacksonville for everyone.