MPA hosts first community meeting on park restoration
Following a September project announcement, the Memorial Park Association hosted its first community meeting to share its vision for the park’s historic renovation.
The group’s primary intent was to introduce David Sacks, an experienced landscape architect based on Avondale Estates, Ga. David Sacks RLA Landscape Architecture, which has worked on such historically significant parks and gardens as the Bok Tower Gardens and the McKee Botanical Garden during its 24 years, is the firm hired by MPA to manage the major renovation effort for the Olmsted Brothers-designed Memorial Park.
Sacks has been meeting with local government officials to gather historical information about the park, as well as details safety and public works issues, according to a meeting report. He discussed the purpose of the restoration and the park’s historical significance of the Olmsted Brothers’ firm.
The meeting was held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Riverside. Organizer Jake Ingram said about 60 people attended. Guests shared their email addresses to be informed of park progress.
Ingram said the next step in the park renovation process will be the submission of a schematic design to the MPA Board in mid-November. Ingram expected that would happen before Christmas. The master plan presentation will include a color-rendered plan for the park, as well as booklets and narrative details — and estimated costs — for the park improvements. A capital funding campaign is in the works.
The group continues to seek historic photographs, documents and reminisces of the park. One of the gaps in the group’s archives is 1924-1960. To help link the park’s historical record, The Resident is asking readers to submit photos or memories of the park from this time. Submissions can be mailed to The Resident Community News Group at PO Box 1650-302, Jacksonville, FL 32205 or email them to [email protected].
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