Urban Parks: Stinson Park & Baker Point

[Metro Jacksonville]

Urban Parks: Stinson Park & Baker Point



One of the urban core's most desirable riverfront views can been seen from Stinson Park & Baker Point.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-feb-urban-parks-stinson-park-baker-point

[fsu813]

looks like a statue or centerpiece is missing from the paved, circular portion.

[Traveller]

That circular portion was a very popular place to take photographs, even wedding photos, until that boat dock roof was built a few years ago.

[tufsu1]

There is another park in Ortega itself that is also very nice....I believe it is called Stockton Park

[Cliffs_Daughter]

Stockton Park is on the other side of the bridge, also waterfront, and VERY popular.
I've driven out of my way to take my son to Stinson, and I live right by Ringhaver. It's a beautiful spot for picnics, as it's just far enough away from traffic to be peaceful but not in the middle of nowhere.

[JeffreyS]

It is a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids we do often.

[Bike Jax]

Stinson Park was was one of the most beautiful natural parks in the city and one of my favorite places. It use to contain only a few benches and a couple of wooden picnic tables along with grills. No concrete paths, no lights to distract from an evening viewing of the river and skyline. Oh, also little to no costs in maintenance and upkeep.

Just a note to the city, pouring thousands of tons of concrete and asphalt, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on metal picnic tables, playgrounds, lighting and landscaping is not always an "improvement."

[fieldafm]

I live in Lakeside Park, on Palmer actually.  I spend lots of time at Stinson.  The floating dock is a GREAT way to launch a kayak. 
Does anyone have any images or maps of where the old street cars ran in Lakeside and Ortega?

FSU (go noles BTW), lots of weddings take place on that raised centerpiece on Baker.  You can always see families, recent grads, facebook junkies, etc taking pictures... with such a great view of the city that concrete/pavered platform fits in perfectly.  That piece of land was for sale maybe 10+ years ago.  It was way too small to build a house on.  I was very happy the land is being used for public consumption.  That bulkhead wasn't in great shape there for a long time. 

Stockton Park right up the street has great fishing(also another good wedding destination).  It's a renowned mullet spot and the fence is always packed with fisherman.  I actually caught a redfish out there a few weeks ago, but mullet is king at Stockton.

Bike Jax.. I guess its all a matter of perspective.  I partially agree because I liked the old park as well b/c of that untouched feel, but this new version is MUCH more kid friendly.  I think the new park took the good and made it much better.  It seems the park is used much more than it was in the past, and seeing more activity in the park makes me smile.  A good alternative would be Seminole Park across the river that offers more of that 'natural' feel (except for trees that have been removed over the years).

On an unrelated note, do you know where I can download any good bike routes around the city?

[Ocklawaha]

The streetcar came off of Baltic, from Ortega Village, hence into the median of Grand Avenue on double track, the double track continued over the bridge. On the north shore, the route shifted to the shoulder of the road on the river side of the road. It continued on that side, making the sharp curve (note it is NOT a corner) onto St.Johns. Through the park in Fairfax, over Fishweir Creek, (the old wooden bridge still had the evidence) and onto Herschel, just north of St. Johns, the route went back to single track for a short distance. Note the road get's narrower or wider depending on the old track layout.

From there?

Herschel to Aberdeen
Aberdeen to St. Johns
St. Johns to King
King to Oak
Oak to Edison
Edison to Riverside
(Riverside to the car barn across from the Times Union buildings)
or
Riverside to Bay
(THE DOWNTOWN LOOP)
Bay to Ocean
Ocean to Forsyth
Forsyth to Laura
Laura to Bay
...and return

OCKLAWAHA

[north miami]

Aberdeen- individual brick pavement-and the bricks are aligned to depict where the rails were....yes??

[thelakelander]

I believe they were put into an existing brick street to replace the steel rails when they were removed.