Video and article by Scott Gann
This video details the history, current state, future plans, and benefits of revitalization for these creeks in a broad sense. If you would like to learn more about the specifics of the redevelopment efforts, please check out the links at the end of the article. What do you think? Is this a worthy investment for the city? How will this transform downtown? https://youtu.be/c1dQCKaeeWY
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Map of Hogans Creek relative to the Urban Core and Springfield neighborhoods
Picture of Henry J. Klutho, whom the park in Springfield is named after. He came up with a design for “an artistic open-air canal … with architectural embellishments” which transformed Hogans Creek in the 1920’s
Old post card depicting Confederate Park adjacent to Hogans Creek with the decorative stone barrier along the walkway
Current view of Confederate Park adjacent to Hogans Creek
Trash caught in the branches of a bush floating in Hogans Creek, evidence that the creeks have been neglected since they were originally intended to be places for people to visit often
Concrete columns/fence along Hogans Creek just north of the Armory Building, with vegetation taking over the old walkway
The North Market Street bridge over Hogans Creek whose white façade has faded since it was built in 1926. A remaining component of the original design implemented by the city
The abandoned Claude Nolan Cadillac building on the corner of North Main Street and Orange Street viewed from Hogans Creek. An example of where mixed use development could be implemented
Rendering of a model section of the Emerald Trail in Lavilla pioneered by Groundwork Jacksonville that has been approved. This is an example of what the trails along the creeks could look like if this model is replicated
A train passing by McCoys Creek on its way to cross the St. Johns River
A section of the popular Atlanta Beltline that looks very similar to the section of McCoys Creek pictured above. The urban trails in Atlanta are a great model for what the Emerald Trail in Jacksonville could become, with creeks that make it unique to the city
Links to sources where you can find more detailed information about the history of these downtown creeks and efforts to restore and revitalize them:
Capital Improvement Plan: https://www.coj.net/departments/finance/docs/budget/city-of-jacksonville-fy20-24-cip.aspx
UNF Research on Hogans Creek: https://sjrr.domains.unf.edu/2-7-15-hogan-creek/
Hogans Creek Master Plan: https://groundworkjacksonville.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Hogans-Creek-Masterplan_032410.pdf
McCoys Creek Restoration Plan: https://groundworkjacksonville.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Corrected-McCoys-Creek-Restoraton-Plan-Web.pdf
Jacksonville Master Plan from John Peyton’s Tenure: https://groundworkjacksonville.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1-jacksonville-master-plansmall-copy.pdf
Grants Awarded for Creek Restoration: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/grant-awarded-for-mccoys-creek-restoration-project/
News4Jax Coverage of Groundwork Jacksonville: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSwQqpAiP-Q
Groundwork Jacksonville Green Team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KObgtNfi68
City of Jacksonville Coverage of Groundwork Jacksonville Budget: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHUPJcX9q9Q
Friends of Hogans Creek Greenway: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-the-Hogans-Creek-Greenway-125312910874474/
Metro Jacksonville Article on Parks: https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-jun-jacksonvilles-eight-oldest-parks/page/2
Metro Jacksonville Article on Parks: https://www.metrojacksonville.com/mobile/article/2007-oct-jacksonvilles-central-park
Article on the Atlanta Beltline: https://www.businessinsider.com/atlanta-beltline-expensive-redevelopment-project-almost-didnt-happen-2013-6
Video Displaying Progress and Impact of the Atlanta Beltline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qIZs87_XjY
Additional link not referenced in the video/article - Capstone Project on Hogans Creek Redevelopment: https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/01/33/23/00001/Cain_Michael_CapstoneBook_withAppendix.pdf
Video and article by Scott Gann