Dream · Memorial Park, Riverside
You could find me in the park every day, building community by giving out hugs and lollipops.
Where it lives
Memorial Park in Riverside, on the St. Johns. One park first, so people learn that on certain days, if you go to Memorial Park, there will be community waiting.
A good day there
Open like a day job, nine to five, a few days a week. Music in the morning, games and food at noon, performances in the afternoon. I play guitar, local musicians join in, and we dance and sing.
Through the year
We celebrate the great days of many cultures and traditions: Lunar New Year, Easter sunrise, Juneteenth, Diwali, Día de los Muertos, Hanukkah and Christmas. Every neighbor sees their own story honored.
Who builds it with me
An army of retired people. They have time, wisdom and skill, and they're often the most overlooked people in the city. They help run it, and they become grandparents to the whole park.
How it grows
Start in one park and get it right. Then a second neighborhood, then a third, until every part of Jacksonville has its day and its park.
What I need from this room
Retirees ready to lead, musicians and performers, people who know how to work with the city on park permits, and the cultural groups whose holidays we want to honor well.