Established as a public commons in 1838, Smith Park in Downtown Jackson is one of the oldest continuously used city parks in the United States -- pre-dating both the historic New Orleans City Park and New York City's sprawling Central Park.
Smith Park, named after colorful benefactor and Scottish transplant James Smith Jr., is the only surviving public square from the original 1822 plan for the city of Jackson.
From the beginning, that single public square has been witness to the founding of Jackson as a state capital, the establishment of the city’s first park, the American Civil War and the American Civil Rights Movement, failed plans for its destruction and now its rebirth as one of the city's brightest ornaments. After decades of use since the renovation in 1973, this 2.4 acre park has become outdated - many of the trees have reached the end of their lifecycle, the hardscape and furnishings have deteriorated.
Over the last few years a group of downtown stakeholders came together to address the problem. This group, Friends of Smith Park, through a series of public meetings and gatherings to collect input from property owners, businesses, residents and visitors from the fall of 2013 to the spring of 2014, has developed a plan and budget to transform this park into a world class public space.
We need your help. TeamJXN is partnering with Friends of Smith Park to help gain support from people who live, work and socialize in Jackson - people who understand how critical a state-of-the-art park is for our city. We will be going to lawmakers and key community stakeholders with this petition to show how the community overwhelmingly supports this project. Please sign this petition below to show your support for making this project a reality in 2016.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
January 23, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
January 7, 2016
86 Comments
Not only is Smith Park of historic significance, it is a vital outdoor space for the capitol city With improvements, it could provide a key focal point for citizens and tourists alike and enhance other official and celebratory activities of the Capitol Complex. Let's put Smith Park back into positive use for Mississippi!
I spent countless hours in playing in Smith Park as a child. Very fond memories, especially when it was renovated the and the water flowed through the park in the 1970s.
This park launched my business as Jackson's first food truck LurnyD's Grille began setting up shop there over three years ago. I owe all my subsequent success to this historic site.
Parks are an essential component in transforming and enriching our cities. I believe the rehabilitation of Smith Park could play a pivotal role in successfully reshaping downtown Jackson. Having a modern, attractive Smith Park where our residents and visitors can meet to enjoy a cup of coffee, walk a dog, or just relax outdoors is something I support wholeheartedly.
The Mississippi Legislature gave this public square to the city of Jackson nearly 180 years ago for "the health, ornament, and convenience" of residents. It's time to make it shine again.
I think you could have done something besides tear down half the trees in the park. This plan sucks.
The transformation of Smith Park is vital to the transformation of Downtown Jackson. Unfortunately - Downtown Jackson has a widespread perception of being blighted and crime ridden. We need to create an attractive safe haven that will spur further area development an provide a reason why people would like to be downtown. We need to create the quality of life that will make people proud to be in downtown.
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Established as a public commons in 1838, Smith Park in Downtown Jackson is one of the oldest continuously used city parks in the United States -- pre-dating both the historic New Orleans City Park and New York City's sprawling Central Park.
Smith Park, named after colorful benefactor and Scottish transplant James Smith Jr., is the only surviving public square from the original 1822 plan for the city of Jackson.
From the beginning, that single public square has been witness to the founding of Jackson as a state capital, the establishment of the city’s first park, the American Civil War and the American Civil Rights Movement, failed plans for its destruction and now its rebirth as one of the city's brightest ornaments. After decades of use since the renovation in 1973, this 2.4 acre park has become outdated - many of the trees have reached the end of their lifecycle, the hardscape and furnishings have deteriorated.
Over the last few years a group of downtown stakeholders came together to address the problem. This group, Friends of Smith Park, through a series of public meetings and gatherings to collect input from property owners, businesses, residents and visitors from the fall of 2013 to the spring of 2014, has developed a plan and budget to transform this park into a world class public space.
We need your help. TeamJXN is partnering with Friends of Smith Park to help gain support from people who live, work and socialize in Jackson - people who understand how critical a state-of-the-art park is for our city. We will be going to lawmakers and key community stakeholders with this petition to show how the community overwhelmingly supports this project. Please sign this petition below to show your support for making this project a reality in 2016.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
January 23, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
January 7, 2016
86 Comments
Smith Park could be one of Jackson's best features. It does need to be updated. And for God's sake, turn the water fountains back on.
Not only is Smith Park of historic significance, it is a vital outdoor space for the capitol city With improvements, it could provide a key focal point for citizens and tourists alike and enhance other official and celebratory activities of the Capitol Complex. Let's put Smith Park back into positive use for Mississippi!
I spent countless hours in playing in Smith Park as a child. Very fond memories, especially when it was renovated the and the water flowed through the park in the 1970s.
This park launched my business as Jackson's first food truck LurnyD's Grille began setting up shop there over three years ago. I owe all my subsequent success to this historic site.
Parks are an essential component in transforming and enriching our cities. I believe the rehabilitation of Smith Park could play a pivotal role in successfully reshaping downtown Jackson. Having a modern, attractive Smith Park where our residents and visitors can meet to enjoy a cup of coffee, walk a dog, or just relax outdoors is something I support wholeheartedly.
The Mississippi Legislature gave this public square to the city of Jackson nearly 180 years ago for "the health, ornament, and convenience" of residents. It's time to make it shine again.
I think you could have done something besides tear down half the trees in the park. This plan sucks.
The transformation of Smith Park is vital to the transformation of Downtown Jackson. Unfortunately - Downtown Jackson has a widespread perception of being blighted and crime ridden. We need to create an attractive safe haven that will spur further area development an provide a reason why people would like to be downtown. We need to create the quality of life that will make people proud to be in downtown.
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Smith Park could be one of Jackson's best features. It does need to be updated. And for God's sake, turn the water fountains back on.