9 years and counting for the Beer and BBQ fest at James weldon Park, my second year. My first year was with my Yelp Elite. This year I won A VIP package. Thank you friends of Jacksonville and the city of Jacksonville. There were vendors and BBQ. I am all in for it. ViP has its priviledges! read more

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We love this park. James Weldon Johnson Park always hosts amazing events full of community, culture, and connection.

My son and I headed downtown for a Hip Hop Festival. So happy we made the journey from the beaches to see some of downtown Jacksonville. When we arrived just after a rain the Park was thriving. Numerous vendors were set up around the park. But our attention was drawn to the stage for a Hip Hop dance off. Oh my goodness what talent. The energy was great and just so much fun! What a great way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. Thanks everyone for the awesome entertainment! read more

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James Weldon Johnson Park is located smashed dab in Jacksonville, Florida's vibrant downtown area and while it is not a huge park, it is big enough to host food trucks during the day and events in the evenings. Since it is downtown, parking was a bit problematic, but after one circle around the park, I was able to find a parking spot. With that problem solved, I tossed some change in the parking meter and headed over to check out the park. It was definitely a cool park. Since it was close to lunch, James Weldon Johnson Park had multiple food trucks in the park. I enjoyed the art in the park and found it a very cool place to spend a bit of time away from the grind of a workday. I like that the park is in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown Jacksonville, Florida and how this park can offer a momentary respite from that hustle and bustle and all the stress that goes with that hustle and bustle. I would definitely recommend James Weldon Johnson Park and I will give it five stars. read more

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May 28, 2022. Eventbrite had a notification for a downtown Jacksonville...Secrets of Jax, walk, $15 each so we signed up and showed up at this park to start our tour. It was alluded we would be seeing some unusual things like the tunnels below the street or a 1901 train buried under the Well Fargo building- well... we saw none of that but our guide (and author of Secret Jacksonville A Guide to the weird, wonderful and obscure) Bill Delaney had interesting stories like that he told us as we walked around. He did show us some of the public art projects that are around outside and told some interesting history to them. Was it worth? Yes, we are supporting a local author (we also bought his paperback book), we learned some interesting things but I guess, I would have liked to see some of them!?!? read more

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Went here to read a book but I was surprised to see an event going on! The Salvation Army's band was playing and there were food trucks. There's street parking all over but I did pay for it with quarters in the meter. I'm not sure how strict they are about that as the other cars near me didn't pay for it haha. But what a good time at JWJ park! read more

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I've been here a few times and I enjoy it every time. For a downtown park, it's pretty clean and of course a diverse, cool atmosphere to hang out! A few fountains and art pieces. A place to sit and relax, even an area to keep kids occupied. You can catch some live music and food trucks! Parking all around the park, may need to walk. I am usually by myself and never have felt uncomfortable personally. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Ah, yes! Hemming Park-- would be more aptly named Hemming Square, as it's definitely more of a downtown square than a park, if you ask me! (I see that a few other Yelpies share the same sentiments!) But, I digress. I hear the "park" has undergone a renewal in recent years and I love it! I love the street art in and surrounding the "park" for sure. I tend to visit during the Jax Art Walk and/or on my way to Sweet Pete's (depending on where I've found parking). It's also home to a few other local events. Definitely worth the pit stop if and when you're downtown! read more

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All of this Hemming and Hawing has led me to lose my photos of this lovely park right next to downtown. Pretty nice park near downtown Jacksonville and I like it and I've hung out here a number of occasions. It's not too safe late at night, as I found out the hard way, so be careful if you're here in the middle of the early hours. read more

I love Hemming Park! It's such a great city "park"... more like a city square but... a great place for events, festivals, art walks, food trucks, and just a nice place to chill with a little lunch! They have cleaned this area up so much, def they patrol the area good to keep the homeless population in check and they are really trying to encourage families to venture downtown! Great places right around Hemming Park too, MOCA, and Sweet Petes are walking distance from the park. Highly recommend going down and exploring the area! read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - So Pretty!! Love it! - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

During the daytime and during ArtWalk (which happens the first Wednesday evening of every month, Hemming Plaza is a great place. Later at night, like others have said, it does become overrun with the homeless. It's located in the middle of downtown Jacksonville and has quite a few great restaurants located nearby as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Jacksonville Library across the street. There's a lot of shade here, which is very much appreciated during the summer time. Great place to have a picnic on a weekend during the daytime. Although I wouldn't really suggest it during the dead of summer because even though there's ample shade, it just gets too darn hot! Considering the number of homeless people who take over at night, I think the COJ does a pretty good job at keeping this park maintained. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

It used to be little sketch here back in the day, but it's definitely cleaned up. When there's an event or festival in Hemming Park it's definitely the place to be. I would say it's safer than other downtown parks in larger cities because of the continued focus on the right kind of development in downtown Jacksonville. There's so many new businesses in the last 7-10 years to bring people from all over the area to Hemming Park and that's a good thing. I've worked a couple of Yelp events in Hemming Park as well as attended a couple of One Sparks. Parking can be a pain, but go after 6pm and it's free or use the tram that drops you right in there. Super fun and so easy. Overall with more events and festivals in DT Jax, Hemming Park is a crucial location in the positive direction of Jax in regards to growth and culture and should only get better. Fingers crossed. XX read more

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Came out to the park today to hear the Princeton Tigertones. Hemming Park has started to really pull events and food together to bring more folks to downtown. Straight across from the Main Library and within walking distance of several eateries and shops. There is a Hemming Park group working to bring more activities to the park to draw more people. It's a great space and I look forward to what events are forthcoming. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

As far as Parks go this is a cute little place in Downtown Jacksonville. Unfortunately Jacksonville's downtown area is pretty dead so to find anything that's nice to go to can be a challenge. The city has been trying to revive the area. They clean the park up nicely and they've had quite a few of events , they host food trucks, musical acts and other types of entertainment in the park. They laid out chairs and tables so you can sit there and take a break and eat your lunch. There's even a small kid Zone with some oversized foam toy in the shade so that you and your children can enjoy the park together. Security patrols the park. There are a variety of people in the park to include random musicians, a large cluster of older men playing dominoes, and the occasional homeless person. I will say that most of the air is nice. You will find the occasional smell of urine which catches you off-guard. This is not a huge park more of a small square of grass with a fountain. Check it out if you're in the area probably the nicest outdoor area available to sit and eat lunch on a nice day. When I'm downtown I do tend to eat there but be sure to be open the conversation from strangers because it happens every time without a doubt. read more

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Hemming is a cool park that always has interesting programming. They've tried really hard to clean it up and make it accessible to everyone. There's a kids playground and tons of chairs and places to sit. There's a cool little "cafe" with tables and chairs and they often have a food truck that comes and sets up for lunch. Lots of people from nearby businesses go there for lunch. It's right across the street from the library and there are a lot of cool places nearby like Sweet Pete's and Chamblin's Bookmine. You should definitely check it out! read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Hemming Park was one of our favorite places to go downtown, especially during Art Walk. Now the city has ruined it. They have removed every single place to sit. The Fountains are chained off. There's no place to sit but the ground. There's no place to rest. When you go to Art Walk, you are encouraged to buy food and drink and now you have to stand while you eat. We used to love to come and sit at the fountains and watch the people and listen to the music and enjoy the ambience of our beautiful city. They have taken that away from us using the homeless as the excuse, throwing the baby out with the bathwater. What a bunch of heartless people are in charge of Hemming Park... read more

I love Hemming Park / Plaza. Right in the middle of beautiful downtown Jacksonville. There always seems to be something fun going on here all year long. Yesterday it was the start and finish of the 40th Annual Run for the Pies 5k. Great setting to host a very well organized event. The weather was perfect for the 5k. Overcast, drizzling rain, cool breeze. The rains came after we finished. We have been to many events over the years. Always fun. Great people watching as well. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Hemming park fountain - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I still enjoy and love coming to this park. This is a great park for festivals, having lunch at a table or by the fountain, or just for a stroll in the park to relax and unwind from the days stresses. Yes, there are many homeless people enjoying the park as well. They usually mingle amongst each other and play card game and talk with each other. There is always Police out there patrolling and making sure everyone is safe. I highly recommend this park to anyone to enjoy. I usually walk or ride the skyway from my job on my lunch break. Come have lunch in the park! read more

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Hemming Park is a gorgeous little park in the center of downtown Jacksonville. It is so nice to go to Art Walk here and other festivals. There is lots of bicycle parking, luscious landscaping and picturesque areas. I always look forward to Hemming Park being the focal point of local events. read more

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Great Park, slow concessions! Will go back again. Love seeing families and kids doing their thing.

Love going to Hemming Park for various events... Art Walk, Jazz Festivals, Tastings and other Festivals. Always sure to run into other Yelpers also.It's not far from home and there is always parking nearby. read more

I love the location of this park~ smack in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown! Across from the main street library and MOCA. The fountains are lovely, they have ample space for food truck during the day, events in the evenings. I have been here several times for Art Walk too. There is a small kids playground too. I love parks- but this one has one thing missing. Seating. They blocked off any available seating- I would assume to deter vagrancy- but... that also deters patrons from staying and enjoying the park too. There always seems to be at least one officer on site- which I am always grateful for. read more

I applauded those involved in the renewal of this place. It is part of who JAX is and finally showcases us as a cultural society of art, festival and family fun. There is always something happening here either weekdays at lunch or even certain evenings. There are several festivals thru out the year on various weekends. They have a FB page and instagram so you can keep informed of the scheduled events. read more

This is the gem of downtown Jax! The people that run Hemming Plaza should be in charge of all the fun stuff to do in downtown Jax. They build relationships that allow for cool, fun things to always take place down there. Whether its the Art Walk or free family movies...it's just nice to be there. A drawback, which totally isn't their fault, is the skywalk shuts down at 9pm...no matter what's going on!! How asinine is that?!? This makes no sense and you can't get people on board with taking it on the regular if you're going to shut down when there are events that take place well past 9. A-NOY-YING! read more

First time I visited this park was as part of the Women's March. We had started at the Landing, but with the surprising size of the crowd and the intensity of the protests many people started making their way toward the court houses thus Hemming Park became an impromptu rally point. It's a beautiful space and I can imagine quite calming when there isn't a protest going on. I look forward to visiting the park again on a less contentious day. read more

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Hemming Park/Plaza is becoming one of our favorite destinations when we're venturing downtown. From Jaxson's Night Market to Art Walk to the recent Brew-B-Que, there always seems to be something going on in the park. And I don't know who the magical elves are whom are in charge of the park, but there is always plenty of seating available. And even if all the tables a taken you can usually find room along the fountain 'benches'. I would say my biggest 'complaint' about the park is the seemingly abandoned fountains. I know they work - or did at one time at least - based on the posted pictures, but I think it would really boost the ambience of the whole experience if they could be running on a regular basis. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - A little piece of history. - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

How have I gone this long without writing a review for Hemming Park? I started becoming more of a Downtown visitor after the first One Spark festival and have loved walking through Hemming after I descend from the skyway and into Downtown. Downtown is on Fire? Oh yes, it is, especially after the revitalization of this centralized park. Hemming Park is, quite literally, the epicenter of all the amazing things that go on Downtown; from the food trucks to the vast array of programming. Ever since the Friends of Hemming Park have come onto the scene, they have put their all into turning what was once considered "blight" in front of our City Hall to a place that is relevant and available for anyone across the city to enjoy. They started simply by bringing Vagabond Coffee onboard and some basic seating arrangements, which then expanded to them hosting a few food trucks and lunch in the park days. Hemming Park hosts a wide variety of programming. Events have included robotics exhibitions, Gastrofest, One Spark, Art Walk (which was occurring regularly even before they came on the scene), dance competitions, Jaxson's Night Market, beer gardens, midday lunches, movies in the park, and so much more. Even if I can't make every event, I am so glad to see the effort that is put in to making Hemming, and the surrounding area of Downtown, a welcoming destination for the citizens of the Bold City. Finally, can we give a hand to those Downtown and Hemming Park Ambassadors that work so hard to keep the park as beautiful as it is? When I'm down there, I rarely see them idle. read more

I enjoy going to Hemming Park its such a positive vibe when you visit during events such as Gastrofest, One Spark and the Art Walk. I enjoy sitting and talking with people at the park while we enjoy the festivities . You never know who you will meet. The park is small located in the middle of downtown but its spacious to a point and crowded as heck when its a big event. However the crowd is accomdating. You can find many food trucks and restaurants surrounding the area, to fuel your need to feed. You can sit back and enjoy the water fountains the yarn art that is presented in the park. Show Hemming Park some luv, go see what its all about. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Lemon Raspberry Gourmet Popsicle from Guanabana. Tasty ! You can see the raspberry seeds! - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Tea Nation is a wonderful concept. Rather than confined themselves to a brick-and-mortar building, they can be found at spas and yoga centers. Sam Taylor and his wife have studied tea and Herb combinations to bring an excellent blend of homeopathic remedies as well as delightful tasting tea combinations. Sam is very personable and knowledgeable as well as patient. He will explain the ingredients of each tea sample. Please try their masculini-tea. The ingredients for that tea are known to help the brain Focus but it also helps a lot of issues that may effect hormones. read more

James Weldon Johnson Park - Tea Nation with Sam Taylor he is known Mr.T. - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

A nice little area in the center of Downtown Jacksonville. If you were to ask me to review Hemming Park maybe a year ago, I would have said it was a beautiful place, that was being underused. But with Hemming Park being the focal point and ground zero of the Downtown Art Walk, Gastrofest 2015 and now Jaxsons Night Market (which I am really excited about). Plus they have put together Friends of Hemming Park organization to help boost some life back in to Hemming Plaza. Everything is on the up and up at Hemming Plaza and the surrounding areas of Downtown Jacksonville. For now and the near future Hemming will be the heartbeat and pulse of Downtown Jacksonville. read more

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Really like what they are accomplishing so far with the park. Wish there were still spots to sit in the sun and the fountains were cleaned up. The sweet Italian sausage dog at the vender here is the best. I crave it! read more

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Artwalk at the Plaza is the best. Rain has been beating the area for days but people still come out with umbrellas in hand to man the rain that never came. Rain and the Artwalk actually gave a great excuse to wear those rain boots that have been hibernating in my closet! Walk around the plaze and enjoy the great artitecture of downtown, vendures of art & crafts, booths filled with information and free items and samples, and performers between 5-9 every first Wednesday. read more

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My husband and I happened to be downtown having brunch at a restaurant nearby. We found out there was an event going on so we decided to walk over. The Jerk Food Festival was happening. It was a bit hot outside but we decided to stay because we were told the proceeds were going to help those in Texas, so definitely we were on board. There were several food trucks along with several vendors. There was a live band and the music was great. It had been years since I attended Hemming Park. I use to attend the park as a child with my grandmother so it definitely brought back many memories. It was nice to just sit and relax. read more

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Great Park with tons of potential, however there still remains a confederate memorial in the center of the park. America won that war ! I simply don't understand why in 2021 we are still battling with the reality of it all. The monument should come down immediately! read more

The center of many festivals, in the heart of our small city, downtown advocates are working hard to reclaim this park and transform it from a transient Mecca of panhandlers to a comfortable, pleasant place for tax paying citizens. I wish the One Spark floating sculptures could live it the fountain permanently. Year one was the rubber ducky. Year two, the goldfish and now year three, the shark. Regardless, even without these cutesy additions, the effort to turn Hemming plaza into a park is good to see. The addition of an eating area and pretty landscaping bodes well for downtown's revitalization plans. read more

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Even in the rain his place is jumping. Not stopping people coming out and having a great time. Food is good music is good and people are up dancing. read more

One of my most favorite things about living in Jacksonville is that there's always so much going on. My kids are spoiled rotten by all the fun family events in Jax! Hemming Park is often the venue for many of these events. We attend Art Walk monthly where Hemming Park is filled with vendors, musicians, dancers, food trucks, kids activities, and interactive art. The Jazz Festival is in this park as well as One Spark. One of my favorite things recently is that they now have a Facebook page that keeps everyone up to date on all the fun events! Gotta love supporting local art and events! read more

Now that the Friends of Hemming Park have taken over the management of the park, I can't wait to see what wonderful things will happen in our city's oldest and most historic park. The park is a blast during events like First Wednesday Art Walk, One Spark, Go Skate Day, BYOLunch and more. Plus, it's surrounded by the Skyway, MOCA Jacksonville, the Main Library, Chamblin's Uptown, so there's always something to do. read more

Although this park gets a bad rap sometimes, it can be an excellent place to grab a breather and just people watch.

Great please to wander with the family. Lots to see and do. There's a shark in the fountain rotating around waiting for live bait :). There's a kid zone with styrofoam blocks and such. There's music playing in the background. There's food trucks when your hungry. I did notice a tremendously amount of people hanging out playing cards, chatting, reading and looking for food during mid day. Overall great hang out if your visiting Sweet Pete's! read more