The City’s effort to improve Hemming Plaza advanced Wednesday when a City Council ad hoc committee approved parameters for a formal Request for Information seeking an operator and manager for the public park at the front door of City Hall.
Several “major areas of response” will be included when the City issues the RFI.
Applicants will submit ideas for programming, including free performances, history tours and other public events such as Downtown Vision Inc.’s First Wednesday Art Walk.
Input regarding kiosks for vendors, landscaping, lighting, outdoor furniture and restrooms in the plaza will be sought as well as recommendations for daily maintenance of the space.
Applicants will submit proposals for possible revenue sources for the park, including fees for private events and operational fees.
Committee Chair Denise Lee said security is the main issue. The RFI suggests private security in the plaza coordinated with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The RFI is “very general” and is intended to seek ideas to “energize and grow activities” in Hemming Plaza, said City Director of Parks and Recreation Kelley Boree.
She said pending responses to the RFI, the City will continue to program the plaza and plans to remove some of the tables and chairs in the park that are damaged and could cause liability issues.
“We want the park to be clean and accessible to everyone,” Boree said.
Lee said the committee, which has been meeting since September, represents the first time the City has made improving Hemming Plaza a priority.
“We have come a long way and we have worked diligently to have something that can be addressed. I’m always elated when you see something done. It’s not always done overnight,” Lee said.
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