Ron Littlepage - Florida Times Union: Transform Hogans Creek into Major Downtown Asset
This is a city of great potential.
It’s high time to begin turning that potential into reality instead of pretty dream pictures tucked away in binders and stored on dusty shelves.
A good place to begin is Hogans Creek downtown.
Thankfully, a group of people, including City Councilman Johnny Gaffney, who represents the area, and members of the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council, are doing just that.
There are 27 acres of park land surrounding the creek.
With much of the park designed in the 1920s by Henry Klutho, it once was a jewel for downtown. It has now fallen into disrepair.
Other cities would love to have such an asset downtown. We’ve let it sit in a shabby state for too long.
Jennifer Holbrook, a SPAR board member, talks excitedly about the possibilities for the park.
A master plan is being developed and should be completed next month. Design work could then begin.
There are hurdles to overcome.
Water and soil contamination must be cleaned up. That’s a must anyway, because doing so would not only improve the creek but also the health of the St. Johns River.
Storm water issues must be dealt with and the historic assets of the park should be preserved as much as possible.
All of that can be done.
Now add new water features. Create a place for canoes and kayaks, maybe even gondolas. Add landscaping and sports amenities.
In other words, develop a park that would be a regional attraction, not just something for downtown and Springfield.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to do it right for a change,” Holbrook told me earlier this week.
She’s right.
As always, finding the funding won’t be easy, especially in these tough economic times.
But federal and state grant money should be available. Private dollars could be raised. And, like Houston is doing with its Buffalo Bayou park project, perhaps bonds financed by increased property taxes from new development the park would attract could also be used.
In fact, the Buffalo Bayou project would be a good one to learn from. Leaders there recognize that a park of this nature is as much about economic development as it is recreation.
Taking advantage of Hogans Creek and the park land there has long been a part of the “emerald necklace” concept included in the city’s Downtown Master Plan.
It will take leadership and a long-term commitment, from the City Council, the Mayor’s Office and those involved in the project, to go from concept to reality.
Hopefully, the pieces to accomplish that are falling into place.
As a native of San Antonio, I know what can be done with imagination and determination.
San Antonio took what was basically a ditch filled with water and turned it into an attraction that is now known throughout the world.
Hogans Creek can shine, as well.
As can the city’s other areas of great potential, from the downtown riverwalks, Metropolitan Park, the Shipyards property to the JEA property on the Southbank, just to name a few.
It just takes leadership and commitment.
More Information is also available on Metro Jacksonville
View Article Link: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-nov-hogans-creek-park-master-plan