Memorial Park is a 5.85-acre public park situated on the St. Johns River and bounded by Riverside Avenue and Margaret Street. In 1918, shortly after the end of World War I, the Rotary Club of Jacksonville suggested building a park in honor of the 1,200 Floridians who died in the conflict, and the following year, the city acquired the land where the park currently sits. 31 civic groups assisted with the fundraising and planning of the park, which was designed by the renowned Olmstead Brothers.
Dedicated on Christmas Day 1924, the park features a large bronze sculpture known as “Life”. The sculpture was created by Charles Adrian Pillars, who resided in the area for 26 years. There are also two 48″ tall eagles, each sculpted in bronze, that were donated by the Memorial Park Association (MPA) and dedicated on May 29, 2011. Their design was based on photographs of concrete statues originally installed when the park was opened. The artist was local sculptor, Diane LaFond Insetta.