Trouble in Hemming Park already?

[Marle Brando]

The park does look a lot cleaner. I was against removing the seating at first but I kinda like the lime-green fold up furniture they have out during the day. It also seems to have lessened the amount of unwanted loitering at certain times. Sweet Pete's has been a blessing to the park from what I see. I swear everytime I walk past that place it's bustling with energy, this could only spill out into the park in the future. I think that place gives visitors a sense of safety/place and could help change negative perceptions of the core.

[Scarlettjax]

Lots of work going on in there from my brief walk-by a couple of times today.  Agree with Marle Brando on the activity at Sweet Pete's - it's been packed every time I go by, even in the dreary after lunch hours before the end of the work day. Around four this afternoon, there were young people with their younger people (kids!) having fun on the porch, coming and going from the library and around the park. 

Defintely a new energy and demographic than usual!

[CityLife]

^I think either Lake or TUFSU has strongly advocated for a children's playground area at Hemming in the past on here. With the addition of Sweet Pete's that makes even more sense now.

[johnnyliar]

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.

Some of the stuff you say just makes my head spin...

[fieldafm]

^I think either Lake or TUFSU has strongly advocated for a children's playground area at Hemming in the past on here. With the addition of Sweet Pete's that makes even more sense now.

A childrens area will be opened on Thursday March 19th.
https://www.facebook.com/events/809789015760513

[CityLife]

^
FOHP 7
OSteen 0

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

From another thread:

Hemming Park received a $100k grant from Southwest Airlines and PPS. Great news for the park.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/community/2015/04/22/hemming-plaza-receives-major-grant/26173933/

I took the liberty of fixing your other quote for you City:

^
FOHP 8
OSteen 0

So it looks like this grant has put them over their last set of benchmarks?

Per the Daily Record:

Terms of the contract

Friends of Hemming Park is required to raise $250,000 in the first year of the contract. The city can withhold payments if the nonprofit fails to reach its performance standards. The schedule is:

• $25,000 within three months after the effective date of the pact

• $100,000 within six months

• $200,000 within nine months

• $250,000 within 12 months

The city is paying the nonprofit $1 million to manage the park for 18 months. The Downtown Investment Authority is contributing $800,000, with the remaining $200,000 coming from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The payment schedule is:

• $300,000 on Sept. 15

• $150,000 on Dec. 1, March 1, June 1 and Sept. 1

• $100,000 on Jan. 1

mmarbut@jaxdailyrecord.com