JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A big change is coming to Jacksonville parks as city leaders announced Tuesday that public parks across the city will install free Wi-Fi and security camera systems.

For years, community advocates have pushed the city to expand internet access in public spaces; the “Safer Parks” initiative makes it a reality.

“I am very proud this morning to launch Jacksonville’s first-ever safe parks Wi-Fi initiative,” said Mayor Donna Deegan.

The city has allocated $800,000 for camera installation, while the Wi-Fi equipment has been donated at no cost.

So far, nine parks have completed installation. Those include:

Parks with installation still in progress include:

“Safe Park initiative means faster response times, better coordination with law enforcement, and a clear signal that our parks are protected spaces for our families, for our kids, and for our seniors,” said Deegan.

The new cameras are connected to both the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center and the Parks Department.

Community advocate Diallo Sekou Seavrroks, who first pushed the idea to the city, says Wi-Fi access will help young people and adults alike.

“You have people that want to get up 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and get online to start looking for jobs, but they can’t because libraries don’t open until 10 or 11,” said Seavrroks.

He says the initiative is also about closing digital gaps around Jacksonville.

“This eliminates the digital redlining. It turns the public space into a hub of economics and education so in any course it always connects the people.”

City leaders say the final three parks will have Wi-Fi and cameras installed by the end of this year.