Trouble in Hemming Park already?

[InnerCityPressure]

So are they not charging Vagabond coffee and the food trucks for space?

Why would a food truck PAY for space when they are the draw?  When things get into full swing...sure...charge, but we're not there yet.  Vagabond is not making enough money to pay rent.

I have to contradict myself.  Apparently they are paying rent.  I'd love to see if that is the $1500.  Very interesting indeed.

[Marle Brando]

I'd be interested in paying rent for food truck space in Hemming. I'm sure others would too. What do they have to lose? Art Walk, and Jackson's Night Market are the blueprint, time to fill in the gaps(days).

[fieldafm]

Just to update those worrying about the sky falling (spoiler alert: it isn't)

http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544885

[Glenn OSteen]

Visited Hemming Park today at noon.  No notable improvements;  a couple of elevated boardwalks under construction; large fenced area being used as a catch all and storage for all sorts of temporary park do-dads.    Central fountain around Confederate monument is empty and in very poor repair. Most (or all) of the electrical outlets appear to be inoperable or broken.  No significant landscaping enhancements or added flowers, etc.  The pace of improvements does not reflect the anticipated goals of the folks handed the keys and money to re-do this centerpiece.  Perhaps it is time for the Friends of Hemming Park to hold a news conference outlining their specific goals, time table and expected expenditures.

[tufsu1]

Visited Hemming Park today at noon.  No notable improvements; 

really?  So you didn't see the new platform stage in the trees?  Or the cafe area with the bright green chairs and heaters?

[InnerCityPressure]

Did you notice a musician performing and a group of people from nearby offices actually utilizing the park?  How about a place to grab top end coffee?  That's what I've seen.

[Josh]

Just a hunch, but I would imagine any landscaping enhancements would be planned for after winter. Just a hunch though.......

[johnnyliar]

Visited Hemming Park today at noon.  No notable improvements

I'd say the fact that you can now sit down and enjoy an espresso and listen to live music is a huge improvement.

[CityLife]

Hemming isn't going to be transformed overnight.  I'd rather they focus on doing a few things well, rather than completely try to re-invent the whole park. Incremental change is the way to go for now...unless the city wants to pump millions into a complete overhaul (which it can't afford to).

They definitely need to show improvement over time and deliver on promises, but I don't think its productive to analyze every move they make and have unreasonable expectations. Give these guys at least 9 months to a year to start implementing their vision. 

[KenFSU]

Hemming isn't going to be transformed overnight.  I'd rather they focus on doing a few things well, rather than completely try to re-invent the whole park. Incremental change is the way to go for now...unless the city wants to pump millions into a complete overhaul (which it can't afford to).

They definitely need to show improvement over time and deliver on promises, but I don't think its productive to analyze every move they make and have unreasonable expectations. Give these guys at least 9 months to a year to start implementing their vision. 

Well said, totally agree.

[Bill Hoff]

It was pretty gray and dreary yesterday. Not exactly weather that most would hang out outside in.

[Downtown Osprey]

Live downtown, sadly don't get to see a lot of what happens during the day due to work, but the times I have driven by it looks extremely active/clean. Being neglected for so long it's going to take time but I believe they have a great vision for what it could become. Not something you can just fix overnight.

[jph]

Went to Hemming for lunch to see what food truck was there. When did they finish getting rid of all the permanent tables and chairs?

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I agree that the park is looking much better and dont know what dude above is talking about. But, one thing: Anyone else think Vagabond coffee is waaaaaaaaaay overrated?  I paid like $4 (with tip) for a very small cup (like the size of a small at Starbucks) and it was pretty average.  I have gotten better from the Daily's convenience store.

[opens can of worms]

So did your $4 cup of not-worth-$4 Joe come with free refills or were they charging $1?



http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=13172.15

[InnerCityPressure]

I agree that the park is looking much better and dont know what dude above is talking about. But, one thing: Anyone else think Vagabond coffee is waaaaaaaaaay overrated?  I paid like $4 (with tip) for a very small cup (like the size of a small at Starbucks) and it was pretty average.  I have gotten better from the Daily's convenience store.

Good coffee might not be for you.  If you think you've had better coffee from Daily's, then I'm not sure what to tell you.