Community First Credit Union and The Block Jax Celebrate Opening of Community First Bark Park
Unique partnership combines business, community
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 19, 2026 – Community First Credit Union and The Block Jax announce a dynamic new partnership highlighting the region’s spirit of community development and innovation. Community First, which financed the construction and creation of The Block Jax, is now the namesake of the Community First Bark Park, the venue’s vibrant, on-site dog park operated by Kanine Social. Community First will also partner to present events, financial literacy resources, and entertainment at the Bark Park. The team commemorated the partnership with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park on Thursday, March 19 ahead of the public grand opening of the much-anticipated venue.
Located in Jacksonville’s Southside Quarter, The Block Jax reimagines what an outdoor gathering space can be. It combines the energy of a food hall, live music pavilion, kids play park, and Community First Bark Park across multiple acres. Community First Credit Union’s Gate Parkway Branch is next door to the facility, underscoring its commitment to the growing community.
“This is a perfect synergy between our business and our work as a catalyst for community development,” said Sam Inman, president and CEO of Community First Credit Union. “We are proud to be The Block’s financing partner as well as provide support for this facility which promises to be an asset for social engagement and entertainment.”
The Community First Bark Park features a custom mural created by local muralist Clay Misner, who won The Block’s mural contest. “WELCOME TO DOOOOOGVAL” was hand-painted at the park by Misner. The vibrant 80-foot masterpiece incorporates the coast, the Jacksonville skyline and a myriad of dogs at play.
The Block Jax will feature eight local restaurants, a rooftop bar, live music, and the Community First Bark Park at Kanine Social, all designed to foster family-friendly fun and local flavor. Anchoring the 2.5-acre site, a striking 10,000-square-foot covered pavilion will serve as The Block’s centerpiece—a shared community space for concerts, events, and everyday connections.
“The partnership with Community First brings tremendous energy and purpose to The Block and Kanine Social,” said Daniel Moffatt, founder of The Block Jax. “Community First has been a part of this project since day one – helping make our vision possible – and the new Community First Bark Park will be a gathering place that truly celebrates Jacksonville’s sense of community.”
Community First relocated its Baymeadows Branch to its new, freestanding branch in Southside Quarter in November of 2024. Developed by Hines, Southside Quarter is a 110-acre mixed-use development southwest of I-295 and J. Turner Butler Blvd. on the Southside.
Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $3 billion in assets and serving 188,000 members. Community First has 24 locations and more than 450 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast. For more, visit www.communityfirstfl.org.
