Vince Cavin Chosen as Hemming Park Executive Director

[twojacks]

From the pics it certainly looks like Bryant Park is whiter and brighter.

[ssky]

I

Downtown Jacksonville, as a whole, needs to create one brand position that truly reflects our unique identity, heritage and revitalization. Let me repeat that: One Brand--not one brand for Hemming Park and one brand for The Landing and one brand for the Shipyards-- One Overarching Brand. And, that  brand needs to drive  every single effort we make down here so that it becomes a unified movement and not a bunch of individual factions working in silos to no end gain. Until that happens, there can be no real forward momentum no matter how noble the intentions.

So one can only hope that this is one of the first of many steps required to get there.  If you take everything at face value, the first step was getting the DIA going.  Now you have another non-profit that is in charge of managing the park, but still under the DIA umbrella.  Now that the groundwork is laid, the path becomes easier and clearer for the next group to step-up and find another parcel to activate.

And IMO, the key to it all will be the coordination of all of the different groups and avoiding the 'silo-ing' that was mentioned several months ago.  I believe that all of is another bonus of the DIA being in charge as opposed to everyone having to go to city hall.   There is one entity in charge of coordinating these groups with no other agenda than to keep downtown hopping.  Once these little 'isolated' parts of the city become activated, then they can start coordinating functions with one another.  You're in charge of bringing in your target group and all of a sudden they realize that there's so much more going on that they find interesting.

For example, The Wiggles have a show at the FT on Saturday afternoon.  If FoH knows this, maybe they plan something for early evening that is kid-friendly.  An open air pottery painting or something fun and interactive for the kiddos.  Now you've given people that normally would drive in and drive out a reason to stick around after the show, maybe grab a bite to eat, etc...  The parents then notice all of the 'adult' things going on, and realize that maybe DT might warrant a visit on their next date night.  Too 'Pollyanna'?  Probably.  But IMO this is how it should work.

Coordination and compatibility is key.  And I think if this is done right, we're definitely turning a corner. 

It's time pull away from all of the tactical pieces—the event planning, the programming, the new logos – long enough to build a solid, workable and sustainable strategy that will serve as the groundwork for our future growth downtown. That strategy must include both immediate and long-term solutions for parking and security issues. 

While it is certainly not Pollyanna to believe events can build upon one another to attract more traffic down here, it is naïve to think such a thing should even begin before there is ample, secure parking and adequate, visible police presence to create an environment where one feels safe and unthreatened. 

Lack of those two basic necessities is plaguing the existing businesses and residents of the Urban Core every day; to add more events and people at this point is just compounding an already-serious situation.

The first, and perhaps most important, step in revitalizing our Downtown is simply to fix what is already broken. Once we do that, the sky is the limit. But, if we continue to ignore the cracks in our foundation in favor of doing all the "fun stuff", we're just building a big house of cards.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

While it is certainly not Pollyanna to believe events can build upon one another to attract more traffic down here, it is naïve to think such a thing should even begin before there is ample, secure parking and adequate, visible police presence to create an environment where one feels safe and unthreatened. 

Using a lack of parking as an excuse is ridiculous.  It's been discussed repeatedly on this site, and among myself and several groups of friends.  We've discussed the perceived parking issues regarding downtown, Avondale, King St., and 5 points...  There is ZERO parking shortage, but there is definitely a walking shortage. 


I'm not sure what your point is regarding police presence.  I've never felt unsafe while downtown. 

[Charles Hunter]

I'm glad someone explained that the logo is "HP" ... I never saw the "P" ... even knowing it's there, it is hard to see.
a little too abstract?

[ssky]

While it is certainly not Pollyanna to believe events can build upon one another to attract more traffic down here, it is naïve to think such a thing should even begin before there is ample, secure parking and adequate, visible police presence to create an environment where one feels safe and unthreatened. 

Using a lack of parking as an excuse is ridiculous.  It's been discussed repeatedly on this site, and among myself and several groups of friends.  We've discussed the perceived parking issues regarding downtown, Avondale, King St., and 5 points...  There is ZERO parking shortage, but there is definitely a walking shortage. 


I'm not sure what your point is regarding police presence.  I've never felt unsafe while downtown. 

To your first point: Before you get all huffy and discount my point of view, please remember that perception is reality for many people, especially those who won't or don't come down here because they perceive a lack of parking. I happen to live and work down here so I not only perceive it, I have a front row seat to it. At the very least, you may want to consider that we could benefit from educating our invited visitors about the abundance of parking options down here...in fact, I would enjoy learning about them myself.

In response to your second point: I was never afraid either when I first moved down here seven years ago, but whether the problems have gotten worse or just my perception of them has, I am not nearly as comfortable walking around alone after dark as I used to be. Either way, I know for a fact that I am not the only one who feels this way.

Regardless, there is no need to debate this any further. I still think that we need to formulate a sound strategy, addressing both our strengths and our weaknesses, and then develop a strong brand position before we move into the Land of Special Events and Park Programming. Obviously I am in the minority, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am wrong. Time will tell.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I'm not meaning to come across huffy, it's just a conversation that I've had so many times that I'm convinced it's just common sense and I don't understand why so few people can comprehend it

Here's one of the examples I used with a friend of mine.

She and I went to Town Center and this was the generic path we took:



The next day, we went to Mellow Mushroom and she complained about the walk...



And if I were to suggest the same scenario that I discussed, I would probably get a bunch of flak about not being able to park nearby...



There's plenty of parking garages that are closer, but I wanted to choose a path that gives a multitude of option.  Even walking past the car to grab a drink at Burro or a bite at Chomp Chomp.

Numbers don't lie.  It's about perception.  And until people get over the fact that parking a couple of streets away is the EXACT SAME THING as parking in the middle of a typical department store surface lot, then we'll continue having this discussion.

Note to Mods:  I realize this is completely off topic, but it's a discussion that we've had here many times and is kind of relevant to make a point to ssky.  Move if needed.

[tpot]

Sorry, had to say it......but the HP Hemming Park logo........is horrible.....

[mtraininjax]

This taxpayer folly is just that, a horrible waste of taxpayer resources. Look at the other parks downtown. The Park that Peyton built 2 blocks to the east is hardly ever used, and is nothing but green space. When was the last movie shown in that pocket park? When was the last set of chairs placed in that park? Does it get to share in the 1,000,000 dollar folly of resources too? What about the other "pocket parks" of downtown?

Typical Jacksonville, we want to fix one square block without a plan for all PARKS downtown, and we will, as usual, fail miserably.

[fieldafm]

This taxpayer folly is just that, a horrible waste of taxpayer resources. Look at the other parks downtown. The Park that Peyton built 2 blocks to the east is hardly ever used, and is nothing but green space. When was the last movie shown in that pocket park? When was the last set of chairs placed in that park? Does it get to share in the 1,000,000 dollar folly of resources too? What about the other "pocket parks" of downtown?

Typical Jacksonville, we want to fix one square block without a plan for all PARKS downtown, and we will, as usual, fail miserably.

There is something finally going at the Main St pocket park:

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/arts/2014-08-31/story/jenny-hagers-sculpture-walk-will-bring-13-sculptures-downtown

[jaxlore]

I am excited about this. The logo is actually kind of cool after a look. Not only is it the HP but its also represents all of the buildings and a green space. The reality though is a logo did not save Bryant Park, which I totally feel the same way about as KenFSU. Glad to hear the FOHP board using it as an inspiration.

[IrvAdams]

The perceptions of long walks, lack of parking and security are really just that - perceptions. As a native Jaxson I am programmed to think this way, but I have always been surprised when going DT. The reality is that it's under-populated but not dangerous; and parking is, well, everywhere. I hope the two-way streets are instituted soon, as they will complement foot traffic and visitors.

I signed up to volunteer at Hemming. At least I can contribute, and then maybe I'll have an even more accurate description.

My thanks to all who made this happen and best of luck in your endeavor.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

Yes,  we covered it on our front page a week ago, actually.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-aug-sculpture-walk-jax-opens-at-main-street-park

Drove by it about an hour ago. There are some pretty nice pieces going in there.

[mtraininjax]

Those three will be on display outside Regions Bank, outside the JAX Chamber and in Hemming Plaza.

Field - How do you "get something going on at the Main Street park" from this? Nothing at the pocket park across the street from FL Theatre? Nothing to tie in all the green space in parks downtown? Is there a plan to connect them all, or are they just random green spaces?

There is no plan in downtown Jax because no one thinks of a plan, same with traffic, growth, everything is just throw crap on a wall and see what sticks, and that becomes the plan.

[Anti redneck]

I'll be excited when there's actual improvement.

[Noone]

Just an observation that Parks and Recreation Director Daryl Joseph is an interim Director and so these positive Actions are taking place without a Director. Other big decisions Unity Plaza. 2014-412 Water taxis.