Friendship Fountain Restoration Project To Break Ground

[Bob_Johnson]

Pictures from the Ground breaking as well as ongoing construction pictures can be found here.
http://jaxfountain.com/Gallery/album01
http://jaxfountain.com/Gallery/2010

-Bob

[Cliffs_Daughter]

Bob, I think I saw you there. Jag shirt?

VERY nice pics on the site, btw. 

[ZacharyMease]

Does anyone know why the roof of the pump house is constantly gated shut, and soon to be blocked off by plants? There's a very nice mosaic bench built into the top of the structure, offering a very nice view of downtown. It's a shame nobody can legally enjoy it.

[Dog Walker]

Does anyone know why the roof of the pump house is constantly gated shut, and soon to be blocked off by plants? There's a very nice mosaic bench built into the top of the structure, offering a very nice view of downtown. It's a shame nobody can legally enjoy it.

Skateboarders?

[fieldafm]

Does anyone know why the roof of the pump house is constantly gated shut, and soon to be blocked off by plants? There's a very nice mosaic bench built into the top of the structure, offering a very nice view of downtown. It's a shame nobody can legally enjoy it.

Its to discourage homeless people from sleeping up there.

[Jaxson]

Does anyone know why the roof of the pump house is constantly gated shut, and soon to be blocked off by plants? There's a very nice mosaic bench built into the top of the structure, offering a very nice view of downtown. It's a shame nobody can legally enjoy it.

Its to discourage homeless people from sleeping up there.

It is a pity that the city's worries about homeless people take priority over creating a more enjoyable urban center. 

[Keith-N-Jax]

Hard to enjoy yourself with bums asking for money.

[fieldafm]

Hard to enjoy yourself with bums asking for money.

I have to beg people to go downtown on bike rides with me b/c they fear the homeless situation.  Personally, I believe their fears are unfounded... but its a stigma that creates a real problem.

[Jaxson]

Hard to enjoy yourself with bums asking for money.

Why don't we shut down the central business district and just let the homeless take over?  ; )

[acme54321]

I don't fear homeless but it is really annoying getting ask for money multiple times on trips DT.  Doesn't personally stop me though.

[Keith-N-Jax]

But for some people it is a problem, it doesnt bother me though. I've never seen homeless at FF though.

[duvaldude08]

But for some people it is a problem, it doesnt bother me though. I've never seen homeless at FF though.

I have not either. Ive visited the fountain at all times of night and day and never seen any homeless. Most of the home less hang out on Main street at the shell station and outside the garage across the street.

[Jaxson]

I don't fear homeless but it is really annoying getting ask for money multiple times on trips DT.  Doesn't personally stop me though.

I am also annoyed by people who stand at major intersections and beg for money.  I notice that this is becoming more common on Beach Boulevard at 9A.  And, speaking of asking for money, it irks me that groups roam major intersections and guilt drivers into donating to their various causes.

[Bativac]

But for some people it is a problem, it doesnt bother me though. I've never seen homeless at FF though.

I have not either. Ive visited the fountain at all times of night and day and never seen any homeless. Most of the home less hang out on Main street at the shell station and outside the garage across the street.

My wife and I walk the Riverwalk a couple times a week and whenever we amble over to the fountain area (usually around 9:30 or so) we are met with at least one homeless person. Maybe we look like easy marks? Usually there are a couple other people asleep around that area.

It doesn't bother us but they are definitely out there. Although I didn't see anyone out there late last week, maybe because of all the construction.

[Debbie Thompson]

Not that it's anything new....I was panhandled there in the late 1960's.  And the pump house ramp was open then...panhandlers and all. :-)

At least, thank goodness, preservationists were heard, and the cown jewel of Jacksonville Friendship Fountain will be restored.  It won't be turned into an interactive water feature thing-a-ma-jig like was first planned.