A project 30 years in the making has officially come to life along the waterfront in Fernandina Beach — and Liberty Landscape Supply is proud to have played a role in bringing it there.
The Amelia River Waterfront Park represents years of planning, vision, and investment by the City of Fernandina Beach. When the opportunity came to be part of the project, our team approached it with a clear goal: deliver a landscape that not only looks great on day one, but continues to grow and perform for years to come.
Liberty was involved from the ground up, providing landscape design, installation, irrigation, and materials across the site. From soil and sod to mulch, plants, and trees, every layer of the landscape was installed with long-term success in mind. It was a full-scope effort that required coordination across teams and daily collaboration with the city to bring everything together over a 30-day timeline.
One of the most defining elements of the project is the tree and palm installation. In total, 57 trees and 31 palms were placed throughout the park, including Live Oaks, Trident Maples, Magnolias, Cabbage Palms, and a standout Bismarckia palm. Sourcing that Bismarckia was no small task — our team reached out to farms across the state before securing one that met the size and quality needed for the space. At roughly 13 feet, it’s one of the largest you’ll find, and it now serves as a focal point within the park.
Each tree was selected for both structure and longevity, installed with strong, fibrous root systems and a consistent form to create a clean, uniform look as you move through the space. The magnolias were specifically laid out to form a canopy over time while maintaining their natural shape, helping define walkways and gathering areas without overwhelming them.
Beyond the trees, the full landscape plays a critical role in how the park functions and feels. Fresh sod, well-prepared soil, and cleanly finished mulch beds help establish the space while supporting healthy growth moving forward. The goal wasn’t just installation — it was setting a strong foundation for everything to thrive.
As the landscape came together, so did the character of the park itself. Along the waterfront, visitors can move through open green space, relax in shaded areas, and take in views of the marina. Elements like the anchor installation, memorial benches, and block structure add depth and connection to the area’s history, blending into the overall design rather than competing with it.
One of the most talked-about features is the wooden pirate statue, Captain Clinch. Carved from a single log by a local student at just 15 years old, the piece had been waiting nearly three years to find its place in the park. Inspired by Peg Leg Pete — Amelia Island’s well-known mascot — the statue adds personality and a strong sense of local identity, quickly becoming a favorite for visitors.
The park officially opened with a ribbon cutting led by the mayor, marking the completion of a project that has been decades in the making. Moments like that — seeing the space filled with people, families, and visitors — are what make projects like this meaningful for our team.
For Liberty, this project is a reflection of what we aim to do every day: bring together the right materials, the right planning, and the right people to create spaces that last. We’re proud to have been part of a project like the Amelia River Waterfront Park and to contribute to something that will continue to grow with the community over time.
Liberty Landscape Supply is Northeast Florida’s full-service garden center and landscape partner with four retail locations serving Jacksonville (North Main Street and San Jose Boulevard), Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine, plus delivery across the region. From plants, trees, soil, mulch, rock, and gravel to hardscapes, pottery, lighting, irrigation, design support, and expert advice, Liberty helps homeowners and pros plan, shop, and install with confidence — making landscape projects easy.
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Veda Broderick
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Veda@libertylandscapesupply.com
