Bettes Park

Acres: 1.6 Originally known as Ponce de Leon Park, Bettes Park was renamed in honor of local pharmacist and developer Charles Bettes. Situated in the midst of many elegant homes, the park provides benches for relaxing in the shade of picturesque oak trees. History: Bettes Park is located in southwest Jacksonville – part of the Ortega neighborhood that was designed in 1909 by prominent architect, Henry J. Klutho. It was one of four circular parks created along Park Avenue (now Baltic Street) and named after New World explorers. Originally known as Ponce de Leon Park, the name was changed by 1930 to honor Charles Bettes, a local pharmacist and partner with John N.C. Stockton in the Ortega Company, the subdivision’s developer. A highly respected citizen, Mr. Bettes built a grand home near the park prior to his death in 1916, at the age of 63. Elegant homes along Bettes Circle, including one built in 1924 by Charles Bettes Jr., surround the park, which provides benches for relaxing in the shade of many picturesque oak trees. The park comprises part of the unique charm of Old Ortega – designated a Historic District and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.