Dating back to the mid-1800s and spanning 1.5 acres, Hemming Park was the first park in Jacksonville. It survived the Great Fire of 1901 and has been the center of other historic events, among them Ax Handle Saturday. The park has played host to presidential campaign rallies for candidates such as Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon. It has two fountains, three stages, an outside café, and a Kid Zone replete with Imagination Playground blue foam blocks and a unique set of chimes for children to enjoy.
Parking at Hemming Park
Bring quarters for the parking meter. A few take debit cards. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends and holidays. If those are full, try the public lots at Duval St. and Main St. or Duval St. and Monroe St.
Admission to Hemming Park
The park is free.
Best/Worst Times to visit Hemming Park
The park is closed after sundown except for special events. Go Monday through Friday, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to hear local musicians play at the café stage. Visit the first Wednesday of the month for Art Walk. You'll find a wealth of music, artist booths, and events. Come on the third Thursday for Jaxsons Night Market, when the park has food trucks, fashion trucks, local artisans, local beers, and live music from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Even better, it is kid and pet friendly.
Must see/do at Hemming Park
Play chess or checkers with the giant playing pieces. Grab a snack at the park café or from one of the two food trucks close by the park, then sit and enjoy the scenery.
Other places to visit near Hemming Park
Across the street is the Museum of Contemporary Art, which has changing and permanent exhibits and a café. The Jacksonville Landing, another source of restaurants, is a couple blocks south. The Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center is housed at The Landing.
Insider tip for visitors to Hemming Park
Don't get confused when people refer to Hemming Plaza. The park and plaza are the same. It became known as Hemming Plaza after the city bricked over the grassy areas. When the Friends of Hemming Park became park manager, they increased the amount of greenery and put the "park" back in the name.
Author's bio: Freelance writer Barbara Merchant roams Jacksonville and St. Augustine with the experienced eye of a native and the open eagerness of a tourist.