Upchurch Park’s family-friendly elements make it appealing to people of all ages. There is a picnic area, a fitness trail, playground equipment, nature overlook, and a beginner inline and skateboarding area.
The park was made possible through both public and private efforts to secure the necessary funding. On the public side, the State of Florida provided $200,000, St. Johns County contributed $100,000, and the City of St. Augustine contributed $70,000. On the private side, through the generosity of many people, the community matched the contribution of the city with an additional $70,000.
The park's namesake, Hamilton D. Upchurch, was a native of St. Augustine who devoted his life to the community as a public servant and civic leader. In 1951, as a general practice attorney, Upchurch joined his father, Frank D. Upchurch, Sr., in the established firm of Upchurch and Melton. Upchurch later became a states attorney and a St. Augustine city commissioner and mayor, before serving for a decade as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Upchurch died in early January, 2008.
