Through the years: Metropolitan Park

[thelakelander]

A virtual look at the evolution of Metropolitan Park over the years.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/through-the-years-metropolitan-park/

[jaxlongtimer]

Metropolitan Park would be thriving in any other part of town.  It's really nice, even in its simplistic present state, especially along the waterfront. 

It's really a failure of the City to promote it (something we need to do for more of our parks and other attractions around town).  If they would just share more of the pictures in this article and maybe highlight some wildlife that might be found along the waterfront, the size of the field in its midsection or how the park could be used for picnics, team sports, a nice walk, etc. along with its convenient parking lot I bet usage would skyrocket.

Regarding the DuPont plans, I like Option 3 the best because it's wandering walk is more like a park than the others that promote an expedited walk through the area straight to the proposed Four Seasons frustrating optimal exposure of the rest of the park's amenities.  I hope Shad isn't behind those other designs  .

[jaxjags]

My best memory (which I whish would come back) was Shakespeare in the Park. Early 90's when I lived here the first time. Believe was a production of Theater Jacksonville. Loved it and park was packed.

[Charles Hunter]

In the 80s we went to Metro Park to see Peter, Paul, and Mary, perform with the Jacksonville Symphony. There was a torrential downpour. The Symphony musicians did not want to risk damage to their instruments. So we got a full - and really good - PP&M concert. The real problem was getting out of the park, as it had turned into a quagmire.

[thelakelander]

Regarding the plans, I'd like to see more emphasis on strengthening/returning the lost connectvity between the historic Eastside and the riverfront. I also would like to see a more natural shoreline as opposed to rip rap. It also looks like fishing will no longer be allowed at Metropolitan Park? I'm sure there's a federal policy in place there, regarding that issue, based off oral history from old timers who remember when the neighborhood was purposely cut off from their riverfront. Last, I'd like to see more integration and promotion of the old working riverfront setting. Watching the barges and shipbuilding activities at Commodore Point are a direct throwback to old Jax. However, all three Metropolitan Park plans largely ignore and/or fail to capitalize on vestiges of old authentic Jax. Other than being on the river, there's nothing really special about any of them.

[vicupstate]

So this $400mm portion is for the Hotel, the office building, moving Kids Kampus, moving the fire station, building the replacement park, a Marina building and some remediation/rehab of the grounds and docks.  It that correct?  The Football facility is a separate phase, correct?

If that is right, it is hard to see it costing $400 mm. Moving that Fire Station shouldn't be more than $500k. It has already been moved once, so there is hard evidence of what is involved and the cost. It isn't moving very far and there are no obstacles in between either. No power lines to drop either.       

[Snaketoz]

What Jacksonville needs more than anything is a leader who will uplift the morale of it's citizens.  A rah-rah person (Like Hans Tanzler, but not as pompous), who will lift the city's image and pride.  I liked the "JackSUNville" bumper stickers of the 70s, the early Jazz Festivals, Jake Godbold's vision, radio station involvement in concerts, etc.  It would also be nice to have a sheriff that thinks in a positive way.  Work with visitors instead of looking for additional jail space, be proactive and not reactive, vote out of office all the old rubber stamping good ole boy politicians, and ban rednecks in general.

[Tacachale]

What Jacksonville needs more than anything is a leader who will uplift the morale of it's citizens.  A rah-rah person (Like Hans Tanzler, but not as pompous), who will lift the city's image and pride.  I liked the "JackSUNville" bumper stickers of the 70s, the early Jazz Festivals, Jake Godbold's vision, radio station involvement in concerts, etc.  It would also be nice to have a sheriff that thinks in a positive way.  Work with visitors instead of looking for additional jail space, be proactive and not reactive, vote out of office all the old rubber stamping good ole boy politicians, and ban rednecks in general.

Interesting that you invoke Jake but want to ban "rednecks". He'd be excluded under any definition of that term.

[Snaketoz]

What Jacksonville needs more than anything is a leader who will uplift the morale of it's citizens.  A rah-rah person (Like Hans Tanzler, but not as pompous), who will lift the city's image and pride.  I liked the "JackSUNville" bumper stickers of the 70s, the early Jazz Festivals, Jake Godbold's vision, radio station involvement in concerts, etc.  It would also be nice to have a sheriff that thinks in a positive way.  Work with visitors instead of looking for additional jail space, be proactive and not reactive, vote out of office all the old rubber stamping good ole boy politicians, and ban rednecks in general.

Interesting that you invoke Jake but want to ban "rednecks". He'd be excluded under any definition of that term.

I didn't think of Jake the same way I think of "redneck".  He sounded country, acted country, but was progressive at a time when rednecks would consider him a liberal or socialist.  He got things done, didn't tear down half of downtown, led to us getting a NFL team, and had the city's interests at heart.  At least more so than his successors.  Most of the rednecks I know are about 180 degrees from good ole Jake.