My Afternoon Walk Along Hogans Creek

CityLife · February 05, 2013, 04:05:25 PM

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CityLife · February 05, 2013, 04:15:29 PM

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ChriswUfGator · February 05, 2013, 08:45:05 PM

You know, we spent years trying to tell you what you've apparently learned on your own about SPAR, so normally I'd make a point of saying I told you so, I can be an unashamed dick like that, especially since we've gone back and forth on the ethics of SPAR over the years. But reading your description of what happened, it's obvious you actually believed in what you were doing and were willing to put yourself on the line for it. That's admirable, I respect that, and I'm honestly sorry it happened to you. Don't let it dampen your optimism for projects you believe in, the problem there wasn't you, and you're better off for going elsewhere where your talents are actually appreciated.

Debbie Thompson · February 07, 2013, 02:12:11 PM

Actually, he's better off looking for grants for Hogans Creek without SPAR. There are other organizations in Springfield (Frends of the Park) who would love to have his help. Don't grant writers receive a portion of the funds in exchange for grant funding?

CityLife · February 07, 2013, 04:16:33 PM

Chris, I know you and others have problems with some of SPAR's past actions, but there are some great people on the new SPAR board. Some of whom I know you and others have a great deal of respect for. While I had issues of my own, I've moved past them and am trying to help the organization move forward to the benefit of Springfield, though admittedly, I don't have the time to help out nearly as much as I'd like. I know that you and others have strong feelings about SPAR's past and I respect that, but I do hope you realize there are some good new people on the SPAR board. Remember that Lincoln was a Republican...point being that organizations are capable of evolving.

Debbie, I love Hogan's Creek, but just don't have the time to try to get grant funding (I live in SPR, but work in St. Augustine). I know that Christina Parrish has in the past and would be great at the position. Hopefully other opportunities will come up. As you said grant writers can receive a portion of funds and can even use some as administrative costs to fund positions. So if you or, Friends of the Park, or anyone ever see any opportunities, please do make an effort or bring it to the attention of the neighborhood.

kreger · February 07, 2013, 08:34:08 PM

Can ya'll take this conversation to another thread? Like maybe the Southern Rock? This is about our park! I think there is at least 100 SPAR threads you could resurrect. Why does every conversation on this blog end up getting off track? Get a room or a museum already!

ChriswUfGator · February 07, 2013, 09:11:32 PM

Quote from: CityLife on February 07, 2013, 04:16:33 PM
Chris, I know you and others have problems with some of SPAR's past actions, and as I've said, the past board made a big blunder with the hiring of a former ED. That said, there are some great people on the new SPAR board. Some of whom I know you and others have a great deal of respect for. While I had issues of my own, I've moved past them and am trying to help the organization move forward to the benefit of Springfield, though admittedly, I don't have the time to help out nearly as much as I'd like. I know that you and others have strong feelings about SPAR's past and I respect that, but I do hope you realize there are some good new people on the SPAR board. Remember that Lincoln was a Republican...point being that organizations are capable of evolving.

Debbie, I love Hogan's Creek, but just don't have the time to try to get grant funding (I live in SPR, but work in St. Augustine). I know that Christina Parrish has in the past and would be great at the position. Hopefully other opportunities will come up. As you said grant writers can receive a portion of funds and can even use some as administrative costs to fund positions. So if you or, Friends of the Park, or anyone ever see any opportunities, please do make an effort or bring it to the attention of the neighborhood.

Well in fairness pointing out that Lincoln was a Republican kind of undermines the point, that party has regressed, not progressed. But I'll let it pass, lol.

ChriswUfGator · February 07, 2013, 09:17:10 PM

Quote from: kreger on February 07, 2013, 08:34:08 PM
Can ya'll take this conversation to another thread? Like maybe the Southern Rock? This is about our park! I think there is at least 100 SPAR threads you could resurrect. Why does every conversation on this blog end up getting off track? Get a room or a museum already!

By all means, free to start your own website and moderate it as you wish.

Mathew1056 · February 09, 2013, 09:01:32 AM

Follow up. I did receive an email back from Parks and Recreation. The bridge and the sidewalk underneath are under the jurisdiction of the Transportation Department. They informed me that the claim has been forwarded to the right office. A friend of mine also called Parks and Rec. They told him the same thing, but they are supposedly taking the claim pretty serious.

Bill Hoff · February 09, 2013, 01:46:35 PM

Thanks for making contact, Mathew1056.

Others have been in contact with COJ & other entities about these issues, as well.

Don't think we've met, but if the parks are a particular passion of yours, the Spar Parks chair would love to meet with you about making our parks more of an asset. Send me a message if you're interested.

iloveionia · February 09, 2013, 07:48:46 PM

Who is the SPAR Parks chair? Maybe its on the website but I missed it?

Bill Hoff · February 09, 2013, 11:08:41 PM

Sent email.

Mathew1056 · February 10, 2013, 09:01:24 AM

Nothing in the in the inbox. Try Mathew1056@gmail.com. I may have misspelled it to you earlier.

strider · February 10, 2013, 09:23:06 AM

Quote from: iloveionia on February 09, 2013, 07:48:46 PM
Who is the SPAR Parks chair? Maybe its on the website but I missed it?

Wouldn't it be nice if the SPAR Council president (Bill Hoff) could actually answer a question or two? And, I might add, a question that was indeed on topic.

Debbie is right, to sucessfully do something positive for the parks, you need to go to some organization other than SPAR Council. Perhaps you could interest CPAC in it? Seems like something that will benefit the entire Urban Core.

In the past, the Women's Club/ Springfield Improvement Association lead the push to improve the parks.

Mathew1056 · February 10, 2013, 09:51:26 AM

I don't think it's one group or another that will accomplish the goal of cleaning up the parks. Informing all interested parties is all we can do. Whether you like it or not, SPAR has clout in the Urban Core. I wouldn't mind having them on my side. SPAR serves its function. A more desirable result would include having other organizations involved. Downtown has been given a mandate by voter and survey takers. Springfield stands to gain the most out of other Urban Core neighborhoods. Hitching a ride on the current interest in downtown seems to be the best route. Jax ears are perked.