Welcome to Historic Springfield in Jacksonville Florida

The Neighborhood

Where are we?

The Historic Springfield neighborhood is only one square mile in size and can sometimes be confused, by those not familiar with the area, with “New Springfield” to the North. While they do share a partial title, they are very different neighborhoods.

The boundaries of Historic Springfield are well defined:

North - 12th Street

South - 1st Street

West- Boulevard Street

East - Clark Street

The South's Best Comeback Neighborhoods from Southern Living

Helpful Information

The City of Jacksonville (COJ) is responsible for maintaining city and public spaces and property, including parks, street lamps, roads, etc. They also coordinate property appraisal, waste pick up, city events, and law enforcement services. They can be reached at 630-CITY (2489) or www.coj.net

Jacksonville Electrical Authority (JEA) provides electricity and water to your home. If you need to report an outage or have questions about your utilities, contact them at 665-6000 or www.jea.com

Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office (JSO) is your local law enforcement agency. In case of emergency dial 911. However, if you have an important concern that is not an emergency, please call their non-emergency line at 630-0500.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is the city department responsible for guiding each Historic District, including Springfield, in preservation and development matters. By living in a Historic District you have agreed to seek approval for any structural or physical changes to the outside of your home, including fencing, windows, front porches, sidewalks, and other changes. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be secured to make the aforementioned changes. Contact 630-1900 to speak to HPC directly.

Garbage & Recycle Pick Up are on the following days:

> West of Main Street: garbage is picked up on Tuesdays, yard waste & recycling are collected on Thursdays.

> East of Main Street garbage, yard waste, and recycling are collected on Thursdays.

Be sure to place your trash cans and recycle bins on the curb by 6am. To request a special service such as appliance, furniture, or tire pick up call the City of Jacksonville at 630-2489 (630-CITY).

Public Library

The Main Library is located downtown at 303 N. Laura St. M/Th/F/Sat 10a-6p, T/W 11a-7p, Sun 1p-5p.  You can also call 630-BOOK during business hours for general information or visit www.jpl.coj.net

Post Office

Ø  Springfield – 1601-1 Main St, limited services, M-F 10a-noon, 1p-4p, Sat/Sun closed

Ø  Main Post Office – 1100 Kings Road, full service, M-F 7:30a-9p, Sat 9a-6p, Sun closed

What do we have?

Living in Historic Springfield means you are with-in walking distance to pleasant parks and amenities:

Klutho Park (corner of Silver & E. 3rd) features a baseball diamond with bleachers, disc golf course, historic bandstand, wide open fields, commemorative fountain, and skyline views. This is also where the annual throwback baseball and football games are held, every July 4th and Thanksgiving, respectively.

Confederate Park (corner of Main & Phelps) showcases several historic monuments, water fowl pond, and rose arbor.

Confederate Dog Park (corner of Hubbard & Confederate) just across the street from Confederate Park, the off-leash dog park features wide open spaces for large & small dogs to play, doggy water fountains, waste disposal bags, and is completely free. The park also contains a lighted basketball court and children’s play area.

Liberty Park (corner of Liberty & 10th) is a great family space that features playgrounds, swing sets, shaded picnic tables, and children's basketball court.

Robert F. Kennedy Community Center (corner of 1^st & Ionia) can accommodate all of your recreation needs. Indoor activities include arts and crafts, billiards and foosball, and an indoor gymnasium for basketball or volleyball. Outdoor activities at the center include a softball field, swimming pool, tennis courts, playground area and outdoor basketball courts. The center hosts many special events, both large and small. Included at the center are a fully equipped kitchen, restrooms, and tables and chairs for functions as large as 370 people. You may reach the Kennedy Center at (904) 630-0933.

Tennis Courts (corner of Boulevard & 5th) are free and open to the public.

Hogan's Creek flows into the neighborhood in the Northwest corner and exits due South, lined by the Emerald Necklace of parks. Though neglected throughout the years, its regal balustrades can still be seen, and the entire park system, including Klutho & Confederate Parks, will soon be refurbished to reflect its rich history. October 2013, Jacksonville was named one of three cities to be supported by Groundwork USA and the National Park Service via a federal grant to protect and improve quality of life near the creek and other areas in the urban core.

Karpeles Manuscript Museum (corner of 1st & Laura) is 1 of only 10 in the United States, which displays private collections of historic and important documents and manuscripts. (904) 356-2992.

The Labyrinth (at St Johns Lutheran Church 1950 Silver St) is a spiritual symbol open to the community regardless of religious affiliation. Walking the labyrinth is a meditative act which helps to clear the mind and give insight.

Big Jim is a 32-inch copper steam whistle located atop the roof of JEA’s building on Main Street. Since 1895 Big Jim has marked key times of the working day. You’ll hear it blast at 7am, noon, 1pm and 5pm. It also warned residents of the Great Fire of 1901 and signaled important historic events, such as the end of two world wars, the arrival of electricity to Jacksonville and each New Year's Day since 1896.

Little Free Libraries are gathering places where neighbors share their favorite literature and follow the principle ‘take a book, return a book’. They sprout up like wildflowers so keep your eyes peeled but for certain can be found in the 300 block of E. 3^rd St and the 600 block of N. Market St.

Meal Trains are commonly organized after significant life events. Here, they began with The Springfield Mommies providing meals for families with new babies. They have grown to include caring neighbors showing their compassion through organized meal deliveries for those who’ve had surgery or an illness.

Community Organizations:

SPAR – Springfield Preservation and Revitalization

A non-profit organization that since 1974 supports preservation of our history and revitalization of our eclectic neighborhood by acting as a resource to appropriate city entities for following historic district guidelines, rules and regulations, permitting, etc. Be sure to sign up for the monthly Block Captains emails and newsletters, they provide good up to date information on all things Historic Springfield. 

Check out their website and Facebook page for further information and contacts. 

SAMBA – Springfield Area Merchants & Business Association

SAMBA supports commercial revitalization, strengthens business activity and provides a forum for business improvement in the Springfield area of Jacksonville.  It was created to encourage, foster and enhance commercial activity and growth within our focus area, by promoting civic pride and awareness of Springfield's business community through marketing, fundraising and cultural participation.  Monthly business “pop ups” at various local establishments and other sponsored events. 

Check out their website  and Facebook page. 

SIAA – Springfield Improvement Association and Archives
Springfield Improvement Association and Archives (SIAA) is the new name for a successful merger of two venerable neighborhood organizations: The Springfield Improvement Association and Woman's Club (founded 1904) and the Springfield Heritage Education Center (SHEC). The Woman’s Club Building (ca. 1908), at the corner of 7thand Silver Streets is available to rent for weddings, receptions & other celebrations. Upstairs archive rooms are now open for visits, by appointment. As volunteer staff is trained, they will also be open for research.

See their website for further information and contacts 

PSOS – Preservation S.O.S.

A non-profit corporation, they are a grassroots group that is deeply committed to preserving our historic structures, helping homeowners, fighting for appropriate legislation, and beautifying the neglected fabric of our neighborhood.

PSOS also coordinates the annual Make It Happen events.  On Facebook see this year's effort – Make It Happen: Mr. Foster or the PSOS Facebook page or at their website  for further information and contacts.

SHADCO - Sheriff's Advisory Council

This is the one group that is not unique to Historic Springfield. In fact ShAdCo’s are located throughout the city in many neighborhoods. The program provides a monthly forum for residents and local law enforcement to discuss issues or concerns about their specific neighborhood face to face.

Up-to-date statistics, trends, Q & A’s, and other helpful information is presented and discussed during meetings. Historic Springfield’s ShAdCo meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month in the Robert F Kennedy Community Center. 924-5361 / email

Sustainable Springfield

Sustainable Springfield is a 501(C)(3) non-profit working to turn local liabilities into local assets.  They have now established a children's garden, community orchard, local bees and Cooking in Season classes with local chef .Their mission – 'to create healthy communities by just and sustainable practices that bring harmony between nature and human culture”. They provide education, classes and learning opportunities. 

Check out their website for further information.

Springfield Mommies Group

A club for mothers of children of all ages in the Historic Springfield neighborhood, this group sponsors several events during the year including an annual Easter Egg Hunt, a Halloween costume event, play dates, socials, Mommies Night Out and more. Great information posted on their Facebook page. Ask them about Flamingo Flocking!

Springfield Garden Club

All things related to gardening including, interesting speakers & presentations, field trips, door prizes, plant swaps.  Very knowledgeable folks with seriously green thumbs who are always willing to help those who don't have a clue. Usually meets 4th Thursday evening of each month at various homes. No membership or fees.

Contact: Gloria Sierra Steele or Bonnie Lyman Peppers (both are on Facebook). 

SACARC – Springfield Animal Care & Rescue Club

A registered 501(C)(3) organization completely reliant on donations and volunteer workers, created to rescue and place homeless dogs and cats with loving families by working in conjunction with local animal organizations. SACARC is also dedicated to spaying and neutering neighborhood feral cats through the Trap-Neuter-Release program while raising pet awareness education throughout Historic Springfield. 

Founded in 2006, SACARC has successfully found “furever” homes for over 500 animals. See Facebook page or website at www.sacarc.org for more details and contact info.

Where do I learn more?

MySpringfield.org is a website created especially for Historic Springfield residents. Discuss serious or fun community issues on the forum, and enjoy various articles and pictorials as well. 

FaceBook Groups and Pages:

Historic Springfield Community

(Closed Group – Contact: Adam Halstead)

General discussion about Historic Springfield.  Local events often posted here. Used as forum board to discuss local issues.  Remember, we are a diverse and engaged group here so expect many passionate voices. 

Historic Springfield (Jacksonville) Online Yard Sale

(Closed  Group – Contact: Tim Hope)

Group for locals to sell items no longer wanted/needed or if in search of anything, post here. Safer, easier, cheaper than Craigslist or Ebay. Chances are you will get a response or several.  From finding a ride for new pet located in North Carolina to an inversion table for an injured back, someone here is likely to have it or know someone who does have whatever you need ...we have all come to love this page most of all! 

Historic Springfield Neighborhood Events

(Open Group)

Historic Springfield neighborhood events postings, pictures, information about the neighhborhood, pictures of homes, before and after pictures, new businesses, outings, History of the neighborhood, anything fun!

Springfield Handcrafted Marketplace

(Closed Group – Contact: Keala Baumann or Bonnie Lyman Peppers) 

For artists and artisans in Springfield and the surrounding area to showcase their creations, websites and contact information.

Springfield Brew Crew

(Open Group)

Local guy who keeps everyone posted on the craft beer scene and events both locally and farther afield. 

Historic Springfield Events

ANNUAL EVENTS:

Wandering New Year's Eve Cocktail Party (private homes - adults only – invitation only)

Easter Egg Hunt & Picnic (sponsored by Springfield Mommies Group) – see their Facebook page for event details

Spring Home Tour – usually 3rd weekend in May (sponsored by SPAR, family friendly)

Throwback Baseball Game & Celebration – 4th of July, Klutho Park

Annual 4th of July event with old school baseball uniforms & rules, pitting East vs West (of Springfield) against each other in a battle for pride and bragging rights!  Family friendly and free, bring a blanket or chair and relax while you watch the game. Children’s activities and concessions by Springfield Mommies Group. Stay to picnic and watch the downtown fireworks from Klutho Park.

Porchfest – Inaugural event this November 8^th  (Sponsored by SPAR, family-friendly)

Acoustic musicians play on Springfield’s front porches. Inaugural event will be in the Southeast quadrant.

Turkey Bowl – Thanksgiving Day morning, Klutho Park

Annual Thanksgiving event that once again pits East vs West in a fierce game of flag football. Family friendly and free, bring a blanket or chair and relax while you watch the game or suit up and play! Breakfast sponsored by a generous neighbor bordering the park.

Holiday Home Tour – usually first weekend in December (sponsored by SIAA)

MONTHLY EVENTS:

First Friday – posted on the Historic Springfield Community Facebook page

Each month is a gathering at a different home, often with a theme. Each First Friday starts at 7pm, family-friendly (depending on the hosts) until 9 then adults only please. Bring an appetizer to share and BYOB. 

The Springfield Skillet

The Skillet is a monthly gathering of our neighbors who love to cook (or dine!).  Monthly themes/challenges are given, and neighbors take turns hosting what ends up being a large potluck meal.  For information about the Skillet, you may call 904-803-1665.

Still have questions?

Search myspringfield.org or join the Historic Springfield Community Facebook page and post questions there. Your new neighbors are happy to share.