As a Springfield Resident, Klutho Park has been both a rallying point and common ground for neighbors and friends to congregate and enjoy living. As part of the Urban core, this "unsavory" area was Jacksonville's first suburb. Klutho park was part of what was once the Venice of Jax, connected by a creek that spanned the neighborhood, with balustrades that encircled the waterway and the park system like a necklace.
It's a four star park with five star sentimental value because in the 18 years we've called SPR our home, this park has undergone many positive changes that the residents fought to get and volunteered to do. From the 100 trees planted by neighbors for shade and beauty to the baseball diamond where the July 4th Throwback games and picnic are held yearly, we've enjoyed Klutho. From the Easter egg hunts organized by the Mommies' Club, the soccer games and the annual Turkey Bowl during Thanksgiving to the fountain restored and built by residents, we've enjoyed Klutho. Could it use more amenities and support by the city? Sure it could! There's room for improvement and we want it to be even better.
What Klutho Park does have is a disc golf course, wide open spaces and a hundred year old gazebo that has seen orchestras, jazz bands and most recently the music of Porchfest. What Klutho has is history surrounded by blocks of architecturally beautiful homes and the people who love them. I get it though, Urban neighborhoods aren't everyone's version of his or her blue heaven, but it isn't necessarily hell either.
Visit http://www.sparcouncil.org/photo_gallery for photos of Klutho Park and of the community that is fighting to preserve a neighborhood worth saving from neglect, demolition, and prejudice. read more