By: Evan Grimm
Alpine Groves Park is one of the oldest parks in Jacksonville, with its history dating back to the late 1800’s. Located in the Switzerland area, Alpine Groves has been a staple of the community for centuries. It has become a popular hub for locals to relax, fish, enjoy nature, and admire the history of the estate.
When Alpine Groves was first built, it served as a prominent citrus farm for Jacksonville and was originally given to Francis Philip Fatio, who was native to Switzerland. His impact on the area was acknowledged by having the small area around him named after his origin. Fatio was a prominent man during his time and did business with many people in the community, including the now memorialized William Bartram. The citrus farm was located close to the St. Johns River, which was heavily used to transport goods, giving the farm a boost towards their success. After a fire that caused the house and farmstead on site to be completely rebuilt, the Harris family purchased the land in the early 1900’s and quickly turned it into a booming business in the area.
In 2000, Ruth Harris Bennett and her partner Wally sold the land to the Trust for Public Land. This was to prevent any further development of the site while preserving the land and the historical structures as well. The plantation was then purchased by St. Johns County, turning it into a park for the community to enjoy. To honor their contribution to the history of the park, a butterfly garden and walkway were built in dedication to the Harris Bennett family. Currently, the park still serves as a favored spot to visit by the residents of Jacksonville to take their families and enjoy the park.