Renovations Coming to Friendship Fountain

[hightowerlover]

seems like a waste of money to crack up a bunch of concrete on riverfront property just to replace it with grass Doesn't real make the fountain any more interesting or useful.  Apparently if there's grass, its a play area, where concrete in the same space is just dead space.  If there's nothing engaging to do in either - what's the point of the space?

[Bativac]

They should fix the jets. The fountain was awesome once upon a time. All the waterworks on the Riverwalk in that area used to be pretty neat, too. Now it's like remnants of an old factory rusting all over the place. I don't think the concrete is all that bad -- why don't they concentrate on fixing the broken stuff first?

Unrelated to the fountain, but... I was in the museum this past summer for the film festival. We roamed around a bit. The museum is kind of a sad little place, especially after having been to Tampa, Chicago, New York... I know Jacksonville is none of those places but it would be nice to get a museum somewhat on par with the beautiful new main library.

Interesting fact: for an incorrigible college kid, Friendship Fountain is much easier to get into than it is to climb out of.

[Wacca Pilatka]

I went to MOSH for the first time earlier this year.  The "Currents of Time" exhibit on area history is extremely well done and was in great shape.  However, some of the older, permanent science exhibits were in fact worn-looking and/or not functioning.

[vicupstate]

seems like a waste of money to crack up a bunch of concrete on riverfront property just to replace it with grass Doesn't real make the fountain any more interesting or useful.  Apparently if there's grass, its a play area, where concrete in the same space is just dead space.  If there's nothing engaging to do in either - what's the point of the space?

If ALL they intend to do long term, is replace the concrete with landscape, that would be an improvement, but a disappointment.  I agree that there needs to be more there to engage with, but all the concrete gives a cold, sterile appearance that is less inviting than what is envisioned. 

It is a step in the right direction, but that's all. 

That entire space between the bridges needs to be much higher and better utilized.  I also think a Northbank location might be better for MOSH.  Maybe it could be part of the Hogan's Creek project.

The current MOSH location is some of the primest land in the entire city, it is a total waste to have a low-rise, little used, non-taxpaying project there.   Atlanta has a Children's Museum on the ground level of a condo tower.  Something on that order should be in place of the MOSH-only parcel, if having MOSH on the Southbank is not negotiable. 

The money intended for Metro Park should be spent on the Southbank area instead.  Metro park is too isolated and distant from the urban core.  That is a project for 10-15 years ahead when a Shipyards-type project is reality, not a dream.   

I envision having a totally awesome Southbank (ie between the bridges) area with river taxis to a re-invented Landing, complete with an opening to the Laura St corridor.  Laura Street could become be a retail corridor that intersects the Bay Street entertainment strip, and leads back to Hemming Plaza.   This Southbank to Hemming 'strip' could be the crown jewel of the entire city if done right.          

   

[JeffreyS]

I am glad for now that the Fountain is off the chopping block.  I want a great water spectacle but will be happy with a good water show and lights.

[Cliffs_Daughter]

      

I'm SO happy to read this topic!

[thelakelander]

I don't know if the fountain will be restored to what it originally was, but I suspect it will be better than what is there today. 

From the application:

Applicant is proposing alteration and maintenance improvements to both the site and fountain pump house.  No alterations to the fountain are proposed; however, maintenance improvements are proposed. The improvements will support the Downtown Master Plan goals and objectives, and is one of the nineteen initiatives of the Downtown Action Plan. Friendship Fountain Park is an existing recreational facility with a prime location on the St. Johns River.  The proposed improvements provide for alterations to the hardscape, landscape and pump house. The alterations include the removal of existing paved areas and provide new landscaping, decorative sidewalks, benches and lighting.  Proposed maintenance improvements to the existing fountain include plumbing, water jets, lighting, controller systems, etc.

To see the actual application, click on link and select November 2009 Agenda:
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Jacksonville+Economic+Development+Commission/Downtown+Development/DDRB+Meeting+Information.htm

[fsu813]

an aestherically pleasing venue in a nice location will draw events & people naturally....

[Bike Jax]

I'm all for refurbishing of the fountain and I look forward to seeing in all it's former glory. But I'm not sure about the landscaping. It looks to me to contain a lot less functional space. I would much rather see funds directed towards the fountain and focusing on making that area a large outdoor cafe with  kiosk type vendors spread around the area. The vendors would not only act as an additional focus along with fountain. But their space fees would help offset costs of maintenance and upkeep for the area.

[stephendare]

Well this isnt completely horrifying.  At least they are going to keep the fountain in these plans.

I think i disagree with deliberately ripping up the concrete to keep the skateboard kids from being there.  Ever since they 86d skaters from Hemming Park the vagrant population has increased.

Also whats with the ongoing park plans that leave no covered space for people wanting outdoors without sunburn or daily rain drenchings?

If citizens want to be left to the tender mercies of the semi sub tropics they can already sit at the cities many bus stops.

Also I think its a great idea to reconsider building more active use into a complex with a new museum building.

[JaxNative68]

I'm glad to see the renovation moving forward.  At one time, Friendship Fountain was an icon of our city.  I fond memories of visiting both the museum and fountain as a child.

[stephendare]

I am too, jaxnative.  The place was pretty magical for a 60s/70s childhood, wasnt it?

[fsujax]

I just want to the darn fountain returned to its former glory! As far as landscaping, just leave it all concrete and brick pavers with some trees thrown in. We all know the city will not maintain a large grassy area with lush landscaping the way it should be.

[JaxNative68]

I used to love all of the "free range" chickens that used to run around there back then.  That was before the office buildings went up around it.  Very entertaining for a child.

[choosing2disappear]

i can't understand the content of the proposal? what specifically are the alterations to the pump house? Does anyone know?

incidentally, dinosaur jr recently showcased friendship park (the pump-house and adjacent vintage bits) in a music video.

I miss the chickens, too.