Public Access Improvements for Northbank Riverwalk

[Shwaz]

But there are bigger things in store for the Square than simply playing host to a weekly market of hand-made crafts.

“The Artists’ Market would be an active user group of the land,” said Rinaman of the weekly event. “There is also room for musicians and performing artists.”

awesome

[grimss]

The space has a lot going for it, and the Riverside Arts Market has an indefatigable chairman whose committee has put in several thousand hours working to create a unique Saturday market featuring not just paintings, sculpture, pottery, etc., but also organic produce, fresh bread, artisan cheeses, food vendors and live entertainment.  Pending resolution of a few details with the city, the Riverside Arts Market will officially open April 4th.  Check out the brand-new website at http://www.riversideartsmarket.com

This is something that we all should be eager to support . . .

[thelakelander]

I'm looking forward to it.  Its much larger than I originally thought.

[grimss]

Projected number of booths is 150, although the market is viable at 2/3 capacity.  Nine slots are for produce and other farm products--they'll be in a row along one side of the market, and will literally be able to sell off the back of their trucks because of the extended parking spaces.

I've reviewed a lot of the plans and am amazed at the level of detail.  The biggest obstacle is just getting all the entities with an ownership stake in the land--and it's not just the city, but also DOT, Fidelity, JEA, and I think even Homeland Security!!--to finally sign off.  There will be a press conference in mid-February to officially launch things. 

[BridgeTroll]

It is huge!  I underestimated the size.  What a great stop on the Riverwalk.  Keep us up to date grimss...

[thelakelander]

I like it...

After over 15 years of planning, the Riverside Arts Market is a dream come true. Our inaugural market season is just the beginning. Although initially our market will be open only on Saturdays, we ultimately plan to have an expanded and perhaps somewhat varied market on Sundays in the future.

The Market site is such a unique public venue, we hope that other public events, including concerts and evening movies-by-the river, will someday bring audiences here during the week.

Currently underway are plans to expand the site across Riverside Avenue as a scenic promenade beside a man-made lagoon under the bridge, with sculptures and water features, connecting the arts market to Riverside Park.

Stay tuned!

http://www.riversideartsmarket.com/future.html

By the way, here is a layout of the market.

[BridgeTroll]

Yes folks... that entire layout is protected from the rain and shaded from the sun by the Fuller Warren Bridge.  As this gains in popularity parking may become an issue.

[grimss]

I know the market has commitments for well over 1000 parking spaces from Fidelity, the Cummer, and the recently relocated Wood, Lanier, Bowman eye clinic.  Because of the riverwalk extension, people might also enjoy walking over from the YMCA, and the RAMROD team is negotiating river taxi access as well. Me, I plan on arriving by bike!

[hanjin1]

That's what I was wondering, where would we park to go there? Because it looks like the actual shops will be on the parking lot itself.

Nevermind I found the answer to this.

[Ocklawaha]

That's what I was wondering, where would we park to go there? Because it looks like the actual shops will be on the parking lot itself.

The Skyway and the Streetcar Line should offer some attractive options.

OCKLAWAHA

[grimss]

RAP's ED just sent me the job description for the Market Manager to post on the RAP website.  I know they've already been interviewing candidates, but I believe applications are being accepted for another couple of days.  If you guys know anyone who fits the bill, please encourage them to apply!  Here are some particulars, followed by a link to access the details (scroll to the bottom of the page):

The Market Manager is the Senior Manager of the Riverside Arts Market (RAM). The Market
Manager is responsible for all aspects of the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) weekly event and RAP
annual Arts Festival (September), serving as logistics staff and main point of contact with the city,
vendors, marketing outlets, RAP staff, and volunteers. The Market Manager will utilize the expertise
and experience of the Riverside Arts Market Research Operations and Development (RAMROD)
Committee and is responsible to the RAMROD Chair and the RAP Executive Director.
RAM is a subsidiary organization to Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) and helps to fulfill RAP’s
mission to enhance the quality of life of the historic neighborhood of Riverside Avondale. Both RAP
and RAM are volunteer-driven organizations and have small staffs and large missions. Job
descriptions are a general description of assignments but employees need to be flexible and may be
called on to help in a variety of ways that cannot always be anticipated in a job description. Further,
the Market Manager may delegate a number of the duties listed below to the Assistant Manager and
various volunteers.

Conditions of Employment
Average workweek is expected to be 30-40 hours, including every Saturday and availability for
occasional evening and/or weekend board meetings. There may be more extended hours during the
Market months and less when the Market is closed.
Minimal travel required
Paid vacation and sick leave

Qualifications
Desirable candidates must have three (3) years work experience, with a preference in sales, retail or
marketing, and a background that includes supervising paid or volunteer staff.
Two-year degree required, Bachelor’s preferred
Successful experience managing events is highly desirable

Full (3 page) description here: http://www.riversideavondale.org/index.php?id=58

[vicupstate]

Ok, the Jazz Festival is moving to the heart of DT, and now an ARTS market is finally going to open on the Riverwalk. 

Could it be that this city is ACTUALLY getting it's head out of it's ASS??? !!!

I can only hope this trend continues....

[Ocklawaha]

Ok, the Jazz Festival is moving to the heart of DT, and now an ARTS market is finally going to open on the Riverwalk. 

Could it be that this city is ACTUALLY getting it's head out of it's ASS??? !!!

I can only hope this trend continues....

Where's JAKE GODBOLD'S "Paint the streets and celebrate everything," guy. Not that Jake and I were on real close terms but I did support him based on this alone. The administration KNEW how to make a big, big splash. Those of you too young to remember:

PGA pros in Friendship Park teaching 10,000 kids how to knock a golf ball into the river - then giving away a child size iron, often with autographs.

Iron Gators Florida Guard Battallion cruising up St. Johns and onto the downtown boat ramps, invading the city with landing craft, amtracks and ducks. Much to the thrill of everyone who got to go inside one.

Neighborhood Festival, Ethnic Festival (featuring foods), downtown boat races, Tall Ships Fest, more fireworks then China, and painted streets for every event - Fouth of July with Lazer Show + Fireworks + Military Jet flyovers, helicopter flyovers, transport flyovers all afternoon.

Things certainly were no dull. I really do hope this is a sign of things to come. But I promise if this administration screws this up like I fear they will... I'm going to laugh my ass off. (It's the only cure I know for crying over my city._)


OCKLAWAHA

[BridgeTroll]

I would love to see the weekly or monthly boat races between Main St and Hart... Lawn chairs, sunglasses, vendors selling beer and snowcones up and down both sides of the river...

[Charles Hunter]

Ock!  You've got it!! (but penicillin might clear it up)
DUCKs - this city needs Duck Tours!
http://www.buyaduck.com/dukws.html
Lots of cities on the water have them.  There's already a boat ramp near Friendship Park, maybe another could be built at the Shipyards?
http://www.baltimoreducks.com/experience-fun/equipment.asp
http://stonemountainpark.com/attractions-shows/attraction-detail.aspx?AttractionID=88
http://www.ducktoursmiami.com/pages/the_ducks.htm

and many more ....

And that looks like a great place under the Fuller Warren!