Friendship Fountain Grand Reopening
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1342883564_7dBCqHF-L.jpg)
Following a $3.1 million restoration, Friendship Fountain reopened Saturday on Jacksonville's Southbank. Among the dignitaries present for the reopening ceremony were Mayor John Peyton and Taylor Hardwick, the architect who designed the original Friendship Fountain Park.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jun-friendship-fountain-grand-reopening
Looks really nice they did a great job.
Looks great. I can't wait to catch the night light show. Hopefully there are some police presence and Downtown Ambassadors there nightly to provide a sens of security for people wanting to see it at night. I also would love to see street vendors lined up daily for the lunch and afternoon crowds, and maybe the fountian can be included in artwalk. It gives people a reason to walk across the main street bridge.
Incredible work by all those involved. The city had the opportunity to bulldoze yet another historic structure, and instead protected the fountain, renovated it, and made some incredibly smart improvements to the area. The crown jewel of the city has never looked more beautiful. It gives me some hope for this city after all. Now, if we can just string a few projects like this in a row, we'll be well on our way.
Again, great work. For my money, along with the Main Library, it's the best project of the last 5 or 6 years.
I was so proud to see a lot people that opening night enjoying the park. My wife & kids loved it.
I cant believe they cut the park of like that for a resturant. This city has a history of being very backwards. However, I hope we continue to reverse that trend. The fountain and the park looks great and it was indeed done right this time!
The fountain will look great on ESPN this fall during our two Monday Night Football games. (I know, assuming the lockout ends)
Peytons resume looks better, still not as good as Delaney, but Peyton got a few things done, so thats whats up.
Even with the old fountain there were usually enough people around that fountain area at night that I've always felt pretty secure. It's venturing further down the riverwalk at night that has made me a little wary at times. I assume with the improvements that the crowds should pick up even more which should add to a sense of security there without an increased police presence. Fountain looks great, and I have to say I'm glad that there is something in that roundabout now. That statue looks pretty good.
I agree. I have went to the fountain all times of night and never felt in danger. It was always a safe and relaxing atmosphere.
Stopped by today at lunch and they appeared to be working the bugs out of the Christmas routine. I understand the water is chlorinated... How will the overspray affect the landscaping? There was only a light breeze this afternoon but there was definitely mist blowing across the park.
I was happy to hear that they were renovating the fountain, but I have to admit that now that it's done, I really like this a lot more than I expected. I remember taking field trips to MOSH (or whatever they called it back then - Children's Museum?) as a kid, and then going to Friendship Fountain with my bag lunch. I think as I got older it kind of lost its magic for me. I hate to be so corny, but seeing that there's grass and trees where there used to be concrete, and seeing these new pictures of the fountain in all its glory - I just want to sit in the grass under a tree and enjoy a peanut butter & jelly sandwich while I watch the fountain.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 20, 2011, 12:43:09 PM
Stopped by today at lunch and they appeared to be working the bugs out of the Christmas routine. I understand the water is chlorinated... How will the overspray affect the landscaping? There was only a light breeze this afternoon but there was definitely mist blowing across the park.
I remember Bob saying that the overspray on the grass was a concern, not exactly sure how they addressed it though.
My son loved playing in the over spray.
I was at the fountain from 10-10:30 on Saturday. It was amazing. Honestly it was one of the coolest things I've seen, in Jax or otherwise. It made me proud of our city. There were about 100-200 people there when the show ended at 10:30. I am going to be there often I'm sure.
I'm going to check out the night time show this Friday after a cosmic concert at the MOSH. Throw in dinner and drinks at the Landing, and I'm might be downtown on a Friday night for 4-5 hours...what is this world coming too.
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 20, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
My son loved playing in the over spray.
Yeah, def keep the overspray. It doesn't happen often in the day, but often enough that the kids get their fill. Although I did see some of the grassy areas starting to already get soaked, but thats prob something that can be fixed pretty easily without messing with the spray.
I'm also hoping they change up the music often. Don't get me wrong, the patriotic themed songs are great & all, I just think it might start to become boring & repetitive. But if they're already working on Christmas & other holiday stuff, then I'm sure they'll also theme it to special events that are in town, seasonal theme songs, etc.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on June 20, 2011, 01:30:32 PM
I was at the fountain from 10-10:30 on Saturday. It was amazing. Honestly it was one of the coolest things I've seen, in Jax or otherwise. It made me proud of our city. There were about 100-200 people there when the show ended at 10:30. I am going to be there often I'm sure.
Very true. I didn't expect it to be so cool, but it is. Amazing actually. And I certainly can't think of another city that has such a spectacular fountain in that type of riverfront setting right in their downtown. Pretty unique.
QuoteYeah, def keep the overspray.
Haha - Already envisioning crazy wedding planners & bridezillas wanting to work the levers.....
Quote from: peestandingup on June 20, 2011, 02:27:54 PM
I'm also hoping they change up the music often. Don't get me wrong, the patriotic themed songs are great & all, I just think it might start to become boring & repetitive. But if they're already working on Christmas & other holiday stuff, then I'm sure they'll also theme it to special events that are in town, seasonal theme songs, etc.
Classical music would be fantastic.
Quote from: KenFSU on June 20, 2011, 02:48:28 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 20, 2011, 02:27:54 PM
I'm also hoping they change up the music often. Don't get me wrong, the patriotic themed songs are great & all, I just think it might start to become boring & repetitive. But if they're already working on Christmas & other holiday stuff, then I'm sure they'll also theme it to special events that are in town, seasonal theme songs, etc.
Classical music would be fantastic.
+1
Anyone snapped a picture of the statue in the roundabout?
from the article:
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/New-Friendship-Fountain/i-3x5qCfj/0/M/P1470142-M.jpg)
I am loving that the fact that Jacksonville is finally embracing the arts. I think this artist revolution we are having is having a great effect on downtown.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 20, 2011, 03:49:21 PM
I am loving that the fact that Jacksonville is finally embracing the arts. I think this artist revolution we are having is having a great effect on downtown.
+1.
So far, so good. Baby steps forward are better than no steps at all.
The stilt walker statue in the roundabout look great, one of my favorite parts of the renovation.
It looks absolutely beautiful at 10 o'clock at night! Wow, I just wish I brought a camera.
I was bummed not to be able to make it on saturday due to the 48 hour film festival, but my wife went and was very impressed. I'm so glad the city undertook the effort to save this unique attraction and really make it something to see again.
Excellent work by everyone.
Really awesome to see the fountain back. Of course, let's not forget one of the fountain's most rockin' appearances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiiWxhGnYJU
Quote from: CMYKyle on June 21, 2011, 11:10:52 AM
Really awesome to see the fountain back. Of course, let's not forget one of the fountain's most rockin' appearances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiiWxhGnYJU
Thanks for posting - very nice! Scroll forward to about 1:40 in the video for Jax / fountain shots - lots of great footage.
Awesome, awesome, awesome! When I was in Jacksonville back at the end of April, the construction was still underway so unfortunately I wasn't able to visit the park. But the fountain looks great! As big and wondrous as it is, it seems like it should be interactive in some way or at least have an interactive counterpart like the splash pad at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta which is a huge draw. I'd imagine something like that would be just as big in Jacksonville.
Quote from: krazeeboi on June 26, 2011, 09:09:19 AM
Awesome, awesome, awesome! When I was in Jacksonville back at the end of April, the construction was still underway so unfortunately I wasn't able to visit the park. But the fountain looks great! As big and wondrous as it is, it seems like it should be interactive in some way or at least have an interactive counterpart like the splash pad at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta which is a huge draw. I'd imagine something like that would be just as big in Jacksonville.
Yeah, I agree. Thats really the only thing I don't like about the design (you can't really interact with any part of it). Be cool if they had used some of that grassy area & put a mini-version of the splash-pad you're talking about in Atlanta's downtown park. I think that would have upped the activity level at our park tremendously.
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/16/19754524_d799008318_z.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/26012372_37e9bcd5fb_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4745647230_594bcc9a6b_z.jpg)
I think that is something we can add later. It is so good what they have done. The fountain looked great from the landing durring the pub crawl.
Finally made it down there today, first time since the reopening. It was great, ate lunch at the picnic tables under the big trees. The view and fountain were great. Would like to see the before mentioned interactive fountains for those hot FL days, but the fountain still looked great today. Saw it from Main Street Bridge too and it really sticks out.
We had a pretty good time at Discovery Green Park before a few Astros games last year.
(http://www.familyfunhouston.com/_images//discovery_green_pic.jpg)
(http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/discovery-green-fountain.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1284/4712099224_39e7a59a54.jpg)
DOOOOOOOOD!!! I looove the new fountain!
Can't wait to see it at night now. Those center jets are MUCH larger in person than they are in pictures.
Kudos to all of those involved! I can only hope that the Southbank Riverwalk reconstruction will be as wonderful.
I was down there at 11:00 or so on Saturday night, and it was just beautiful. There were a lot of people hanging out, and the area felt remarkably safe due to the new lighting and crowd. I was disappointed that the music wasn't playing though. It was my understanding that the music plays from 8:00 to 10:00 nightly, and from 8:00 to midnight on Friday and Saturday, but I guess I was mistaken. Overall though, just a huge success for the city.
Was down there today and it does look great!!! They were testing the 4th of July music, I hope, someone needs to get them to change it up a bit. But regardless great job with the fountain.
It will be a great place to watch the fireworks Monday night. 8)
Quote from: peestandingup on June 26, 2011, 10:35:35 AM
Quote from: krazeeboi on June 26, 2011, 09:09:19 AM
Awesome, awesome, awesome! When I was in Jacksonville back at the end of April, the construction was still underway so unfortunately I wasn't able to visit the park. But the fountain looks great! As big and wondrous as it is, it seems like it should be interactive in some way or at least have an interactive counterpart like the splash pad at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta which is a huge draw. I'd imagine something like that would be just as big in Jacksonville.
Yeah, I agree. Thats really the only thing I don't like about the design (you can't really interact with any part of it). Be cool if they had used some of that grassy area & put a mini-version of the splash-pad you're talking about in Atlanta's downtown park. I think that would have upped the activity level at our park tremendously.
We have one of those literally across the river
Quote from: PeeJayEss on June 28, 2011, 01:50:50 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on June 26, 2011, 10:35:35 AM
Quote from: krazeeboi on June 26, 2011, 09:09:19 AM
Awesome, awesome, awesome! When I was in Jacksonville back at the end of April, the construction was still underway so unfortunately I wasn't able to visit the park. But the fountain looks great! As big and wondrous as it is, it seems like it should be interactive in some way or at least have an interactive counterpart like the splash pad at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta which is a huge draw. I'd imagine something like that would be just as big in Jacksonville.
Yeah, I agree. Thats really the only thing I don't like about the design (you can't really interact with any part of it). Be cool if they had used some of that grassy area & put a mini-version of the splash-pad you're talking about in Atlanta's downtown park. I think that would have upped the activity level at our park tremendously.
We have one of those literally across the river
Ready for the answer? -drums roll-
METTTTTTTTTTTROOOOOOOOO PARK!-Josh
The Landing has this too.
QuoteMETTTTTTTTTTTROOOOOOOOO PARK!
Kids Kampus was ripped up earlier this year.
The Landing is the fountain Peejay was talking about. At least there, you can also grab a bite to eat as well... something you can't do at MetPark during the 340 days a year events are not programmed there.
Saw some kids playing in it during...what I believe to be...a dog pageant :o when I was there in May. It's smallish, but I'd hope the Landing played it up as part of a reason to come in and stick around. Jacksonville gets "Dubai-hot". That open court a really good space, and here's to hoping it won't be underutilized too much longer. Hell, maybe they could even stick this in front of the new Law Fortress. Play in the fountains before you get sent to Juvie Hall.
None of the plaques in the park mention the original fountain designer â€" Taylor Hardwick. I felt like that was a little bit of a slap in the face. A lot of the plaques also mentioned the park opened in 2011 with Mayor Peyton’s name and the current city council members and contracting company plastered all over it. I think a more appropriate and historically accurate thing would have been to put the original information along with “restored in/by†information at the bottom.
Quote from: Riverrat on June 30, 2011, 10:19:01 AM
None of the plaques in the park mention the original fountain designer â€" Taylor Hardwick. I felt like that was a little bit of a slap in the face. A lot of the plaques also mentioned the park opened in 2011 with Mayor Peyton’s name and the current city council members and contracting company plastered all over it. I think a more appropriate and historically accurate thing would have been to put the original information along with “restored in/by†information at the bottom.
...That said, the park is GORGEOUS. They did a great job and I'm glad to see the park and fountain back to its landmark status.
Does anyone know what is going on with the fountain?
We stopped by there on Saturday night, around 9pm, and the fountain was barely going. There was ONE single green spotlight on in the water, and that was it.
Drove by there again last night, same thing.
Is it broken already?
Oh lord, I hope not.
They're probably just trying to save money.
hopefully reprogramming the musical selection.
Just looked out the window and its going fine right now. Not sure whats up with the lights at night though.
I hope the Fountain is fixed soon. Its beautiful.
article from yesterday's Daily record
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-05-15
Anyone know if the fountain has been repaired yet?
It's been months.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 14, 2012, 12:20:28 AM
Anyone know if the fountain has been repaired yet?
It's been months.
I was out there not two hours ago and it looks fantastic. No music, but the fountains were on full blast and the lights were synchronized (though some of the lights seemed to have issues). There were people out enjoying the breeze, and bums sleeping under the overhang of the empty Maritime Museum.
Quote from: Bativac on July 14, 2012, 12:28:01 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on July 14, 2012, 12:20:28 AM
Anyone know if the fountain has been repaired yet?
It's been months.
I was out there not two hours ago and it looks fantastic. No music, but the fountains were on full blast and the lights were synchronized (though some of the lights seemed to have issues). There were people out enjoying the breeze, and bums sleeping under the overhang of the empty Maritime Museum.
We just have to throw some negative in there dont we? Wouldnt be Jacksonville if we didnt. ::)
Anyone know the status of the Southbank Riverwalk reconstruction?
Quote from: thelakelander on July 14, 2012, 07:39:46 AM
Anyone know the status of the Southbank Riverwalk reconstruction?
I know my wife about broke her ankle out there last night. Also there are some cones and barricades up.
The city can't come up with $4k to fix the Jacobs Jewelers clock, I can't see them coming up with the cash to fix the Riverwalk. Unless that's a different fund. Maybe there's more money in the Riverfront Wooden Walkway Repair fund than in the Historic Clocks They Gave Us Money To Fix Already But We Misplaced It fund.
I remember the light shows and coordinated fountains being quite impressive when this first opened. After years of wondering why the fountain hasn't been as grand as I remembered, I finally saw the daily record article in this thread...
Is there any chance they'll ever run the fountain full throttle for a special event or anything in the future? I've always wanted to get some pictures, but it looks like I'll only be able to save the ones in this thread.
CW Boyer mentioned yesterday that COJ is working on getting money in the budget to get it fixed.
Thanks! That's great to hear. Hopefully, they find the money for it. Even if they only ran it for an hour or two on the weekends it would be a nice attraction, especially with the Riverwalk updates on the south bank.
Lake- please ask Boyer to get city to maintain it on a regular basis. Then funds to fix it won't need appropriated every 5 to 10 years. Look at most things like this in Jax. No maintenance!
Quote from: jaxjaguar on May 09, 2017, 10:39:57 AM
I remember the light shows and coordinated fountains being quite impressive when this first opened.
https://youtu.be/gST9Y2QpkPM?t=34
^WOW!
Quote from: jaxjags on May 09, 2017, 02:51:25 PM
Lake- please ask Boyer to get city to maintain it on a regular basis. Then funds to fix it won't need appropriated every 5 to 10 years. Look at most things like this in Jax. No maintenance!
This came up at yesterday's waterfront activation meeting as well. She said based on her review of the city's operations, COJ maintaining public parks like this, above and beyond current levels, is going to be a problem. She also showed a variety of riverfront areas and their Disney-like maintenance in peer communities. She mentioned that the majority of these spaces have non-profit entities that take care of them. She suggested Jax needed more of the same if we're to really take our riverwalks to the next level.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Learning-From/Detroit-2014/i-tv2BKg5/0/e57d04af/L/P1700820-L.jpg)
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/plog-content/images/learning-from/detroit-waterfront/p1010835.jpg)
For example, the Detroit International Riverfront is maintained by the not-for-profit known as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
Obviously, this would require even more money, but it would be cool to add some sort of interactive piece/pieces to this area.