John M.

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.

Linda V.

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!?!?

Kristianne N.

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!

Ciara H.

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.

Juliet H.

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!

Vanessa T.

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!

Leah A.

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

Jamie W.

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.

Amy S.

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.

Taylor J.

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.

Carmen J.

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!

Meanole M.

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.

Rebecca N.

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!