It's Just Lunch BYO Lunch In Hemming Park Arbus Magazine March 2014

It's Just Lunch

Downtown advocates change the perception of Hemming Plaza

Hemming Plaza is located in the heart of the Urban Core, across the street from the Main Library and MOCA. The park was originally built in 1857 by Isaiah Hart with the idea it would serve as a common ground for the new Bold City of the South. After many reincarnations Hemming Plaza has declined over the past century. It has been marked in history as a place used by various groups from the Ku Klux Klan to the NAACP. With so much hype surrounding Downtown Jacksonville's artistic and creative resurrection, it is vital that the advocacy begins at, well, it's Hart. For over 150 years the park served as the premier meeting ground for business and retail in downtown. It is the vision of some citizens that it once again will become a beautiful attraction. "The park has been neglected for years but my hope is that it will be the centerpiece for downtown's art and entertainment in the near future. People used to exchange ideas and gather here, it can be perfect for events and be a world class park once again," says Mr. Jacksonville himself-Dr. Wayne Wood. 

Hemming Plaza has been a topic of debate, public safety, and rebirth for years. In 2013 Jacksonville City Council even debated the possible removal of the benches and tables , some feel as a move to dispense the ‘vagrants’ that seemed to occupy the place daily. Dozens of downtown activists have been very vocal in the past about their feelings when it comes to what they think 'should happen' to the space. It has at times been used as a meeting ground for transient individuals and a source of contention amongst some local business owners. Not all people agree it can be done. To say "Take Back Hemming Plaza" may induce some cringe worthy thoughts of, take back from whom? While the debate rages on as to what to 'do' with the park some local advocates are promoting the place with a simple bi weekly gathering at lunch time. The BYO Lunch began in October 2013 by Lisa Goodrich.  There are no soap boxes, no loud speakers or signs charging the locals to do anything. They are simply having lunch and showing the anti-park people that it's not so bad. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," Mrs. Goodrich quotes FDR when prompted to discuss what inspired her to begin the lunches. It is true that many people in the community avoid the park all together. Most proud urban areas celebrate their parks and cores. Take for example, Savannah with the numerous parks and city center, it is the norm to walk through the parks regardless of who is using the benches. 

 The tradition has evolved from what began as a picnic in the park and has transformed to a popular event. Some people bring food to share, games and, music. With all the local cafes and coffee stops it's easy to be included in the gatherings. 

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