Metro Jacksonville

Quoteby Joe Wilhelm Jr.

Staff Writer

The vision for downtown Jacksonville continues to evolve, and part of that vision is considerable changes for the Metropolitan Park area.

The objective of step 15 of the Downtown Action Plan â€" “the guide for creating the Downtown that is desired by all” â€" is to create a master plan for the development of Metropolitan Park and Kids Kampus across from Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. One of the main goals for this plan is to better incorporate the St. Johns River into the design of Met Park and provide more connectivity with surrounding land uses.

To achieve this goal, the plan suggests that Kids Kampus, an educational playground and water park, be relocated to a more accessible location. Also under consideration is the relocation of WJCT to improve space near the amphitheater and make improvements to the amphitheater.

“Right now we are compiling survey data so we can find out what the land will allow us to do with the park,” said Paul Crawford, deputy executive director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission. “Once we have the data we will give it to HDR and they will give us some ideas on how we can better utilize that area to improve the City’s park system.”

HDR, Inc., is an architectural, engineering and consulting firm that was contracted by the Parks and Recreation Department to improve some of its parks. The JEDC, which developed the Downtown Action Plan, tapped into that contract to develop the master plan.

A parks subcommittee developed some guidelines of what the community would like to see happen with the area. One of the ideas is to relocate Kids Kampus. While it is appreciated as an “important amenity,” Kids Kampus could better serve the community if it was located at a park closer to Downtown, the subcommittee agreed.

Increasing the park’s marina function has also been discussed. Boaters could benefit from retail, gas and pump out facilities, and additional boat slips. Areas to fish would also be considered.

The amphitheater could also use some improvements, the subcommittee noted. The relocation of sound control equipment was listed as a priority.

The park could also serve as a natural trailhead to the Northbank Riverwalk. This would provide an opportunity for eco-tourism business through bike and boat rentals and tours.

The already substantial green space at Met Park could be increased by adding the property occupied by WJCT. The WJCT building is stage right of the amphitheater and makes the back of the park, “limited in space and access and view corridors.”

WJCT leases the property from the City.

Michael Boylan, president and CEO of WJCT, was surprised to hear about the discussion of the relocation of the public broadcasting station.

“We had talked with City some time ago about it,” said Boylan, “but it is a pretty expensive proposition for both the City and us.”

The station contacted the University of North Florida about moving on campus the last time relocation was discussed.

“We couldn’t just stop working and move,” said Boylan, “so we would have to duplicate our services.”

Boylan hasn’t had contact with UNF in over two years, so a new plan would depend on the availability of space and facilities.

“It would be great for us to be incorporated with UNF,” said Boylan. “The students would benefit as well from the experience and equipment we could offer them.”

While the idea of moving to UNF is attractive to Boylan, he’d rather not leave the current location.

“I can understand the City looking at the big picture,” said Boylan, “but we can be an asset to the river, as well.”

The six-figure income raised through parking revenues during football season and special events would also be missed, Boylan added.

“We are far from that stage right now,” said Crawford, referring to possible negotiations with WJCT. “We are finding out what the boundaries are and what we have to work with at Met Park and Kids Kampus. It’s very preliminary right now.”

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=50141

If the WJCT moves the station, it should be relocated to the heart of downtown.  If they want to be incorporated with UNF, perhaps we should be exploring possibly opening up a branch of that school downtown as well.  This is at least what other cities like Charlotte, Orlando and Atlanta have been doing.  You can't fully revitalize your core if you as a city still allow the assets it still has to vacant 1980's style out of the city's heart and out to the sprawling Southside.

WJCT could move into the old Main Library with studios visible from the street.

That would be nice.  Especially compared to studio views only visible from a swamp or completely closed in, in the back of a classroom building.

A local news station in Raleigh, NC has studios downtown.

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-606-dsc01831.JPG)

Here's one in Downtown Orlando on Orange Avenue.

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/orlando/Channel20-scrolling.jpg)

Why not work with FCCJ downtown instead of UNF?

Is this a way to justify replacing Friendship Fountain, with Peyton Bubblers at a relocated Kids Campus at Friendship Park?

Probably.  Everyone will have to keep their eyes open on this one.

I was hoping these ideas died a long time ago.  The city is screaming "Poor" but Peyton still tinks there is money available for this?  Invest in the schools, not in moving what we already have.  Hell, use the money on our existing urban parks.  They could certainly use some TLC.

QuoteIs this a way to justify replacing Friendship Fountain, with Peyton Bubblers

Are you saying Peyton will go down in history as the Mayors who's fountain fizzeled? The Mayor that stopped the flow? The Mayor without a stream? The Mayor that popped the bubble?

Ooooh My.Anyone touching that main fountain ought to be "Keel Hauled" up Rice Creek!

Ocklawaha