Founded in 1877 by the Florida Winter Home and Improvement Company, Orange Park was originally divided into building lots and small farm tracts. The town was incorporated in 1879 by a special act of the Florida legislature. Around this period, a large hotel was constructed at the foot of present-day Kingsley Avenue, where a wooden pier was also built to accommodate steamboats. This attracted the northern tourist trade.

Orange Park residents have access to Clay County’s superb schools, which rank above the state average for percentage of students pursuing higher education. Clay County students consistently score higher than the Florida average on the ACT and SAT. Gifted and challenged student programs are offered in all schools. In terms of higher education, students can choose from a number of fine institutions including St. Johns River Community College, First Coast Technical Institute and St. Leo College. The University of North Florida, Jacksonville University and Florida Community College are located in nearby Jacksonville.

Residents of Orange Park can partake in a number of exciting activities and events. There are many fascinating historical sites and museums nearby, such as the Railroad Museum, Hilltop Heritage Museum, Middleburg Historical Museum, Green Cove Springs Mineral Spring, St. Margaret’s Church on Fleming Island and Clarke House. There are also plentiful recreational opportunities with St. Johns River flowing next to the town. Areas such as Bayard Point Conservation Area, Jennings State Forest and Keystone Beach are within an easy drive.

The town also hosts a number of exciting annual events. The Fall Festival is a perennial favorite and features food vendors and free amusements and entertainment. Other events suit a variety of tastes, such as the Safe Animal Shelter Golf Tournament, the BMX Open House, the Clay County Agricultural Fair, the Fleming Island 5K Run and the Spartan 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run.

Orange Park also offers the added attraction of being close to Jacksonville. The city of Jacksonville is an annual destination for millions of visitors and it is no mystery why. With seldom-crowded beaches, nature-based excursions, unique festivals and events, river cruises, premier golf resorts, historical attractions, unparalleled shopping, mouth-watering cuisine and exciting nightlife and entertainment opportunities, there is truly something for everyone in this city.

The town of Orange Park provides everything you need to ensure a high quality of life for your family.