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Throwback Baseball Game
The Fourth of July Throwback Baseball Game returns in 2025 for its 18th year! In this Historic Springfield tradition, Eastside and Westside residents battle it out on the baseball field to determine which side is the true champion. Come enjoy the day with turn-of-the-century throwback uniforms, equipment, umpires, announcer, and competitive fanfare.
All are welcome at this free, family-friendly event at Klutho Park’s Heritage Field (204 W 3rd Street). Limited bleacher seating is available and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and tents. Picnics and tailgating encouraged. Food trucks will be onsite, beverages available for purchase at the SPAR Bar, and merchandise for sale at the SPAR Tent. Restrooms with running water are available in the park.
JULY 4TH GAME DAY SCHEDULE
10:00 AM
Pre-Game Festivities
10:40 AM
Opening Ceremonies & National Anthem performed by Ebbtides Barbershop Quartet
11:00 AM
First Pitch & Play Ball!
This unique, family-friendly event is one of a kind! Cheer on the Eastside Reds and the Westside Giants and support SPAR's mission to preserve and revitalize the Springfield neighborhood.
More information available on Facebook at [COMING SOON!]
JUNE BIKE & BASEBALL SOCIAL
Can't get enough baseball? Join us the last weekend in June for a Bike and Baseball Social - date TBD!
The ride is free, but TICKETS ARE REQUIRED for the Jumbo Shrimp game. Stay tuned for a link to purchase tickets in the Historic Springfield block.
Everyone is welcome to join us for this event. Riders are encouraged to have appropriate safety gear, and there is a bike repair station located at the SPAR Building for your use.
Want to come to the game but don't want to ride? No problem! Purchase your tickets using the link above and meet us at 121 Financial Ballpark!
More information available on Facebook at [COMING SOON!]
THANK YOU to our sponsors for the 2024 Throwback Baseball Game:
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PorchFest Friends & Family
Experience PorchFest with our inclusive food and drinks package! VIP tickets include:
- Private area with amazing view of the Main Stage
- Complimentary food, drink tickets, and dedicated bar
- Climate-controlled restrooms with running water
- Tented seating area with cooling fans
- Invitation to our Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2025
$250 - PORCHFEST FRIEND- 1 VIP pass including dedicated seating, bar, and restrooms with air conditioning and running water, as well as complimentary food and drink tickets
- 1 gift bag including t-shirt and poster
- 2 tickets to Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2025
$450 - PORCHFEST FAMILY
- 2 VIP passes including dedicated seating, bar, and restrooms with air conditioning and running water, as well as complimentary food and drink tickets
- 2 gift bags including t-shirt and poster
- 2 tickets to Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2025
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Tour of Homes & Gardens
46TH ANNUAL HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD TOUR OF HOMES AND GARDENS
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2025
FROM 12-5 PM EACH DAY
TICKET INFO
Purchase online in advance: PURCHASE EARLY BIRD TICKETS HERE. Early bird tickets are $20 each, if purchased prior to April 24. All tickets purchased online during the Early Bird period will be redeemed at the Will Call table at 1321 N Main Street. Tickets will be full price ($25) if purchased the days of the event.
SPAR members with a valid membership receive an additional discount off each ticket purchased, but must purchase their tickets at the SPAR Office prior to April 24 to receive discount.
Purchase in-person at the event: Buy tickets on both days of the event for $25 at the starting location: SPAR Building (1321 N Main Street).
TOUR HOURS
Saturday, April 26, 12-5 PM
Sunday, April 27, 12-5 PM
*Tickets are valid during both days of the Tour.
BICYCLE TOUR
Details to comeNAVIGATING THE TOUR
A Tour map and guide will be provided to all guests at the starting location: SPAR Building at 1321 N Main Street. Many walk or bike the Tour route, but some may wish to drive. A FREE shuttle will be available with stops at several locations along the route. Stops will be marked on the tour map.
PARKING
Street parking is readily available. Parking is also available in the lot located at 1229 N Main Street (2nd & Main).
ABOUT THE EVENT
The Tour of Homes benefits Springfield Preservation & Revitalization (SPAR), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic character of, facilitating investment in, and building community for the Springfield Historic District. The Tour of Homes has showcased the unique character of the community for 45 years, and is a major fundraiser for programming and services provided by SPAR.
QUESTIONS
Email [email protected] for the fastest response. Or call 904-353-7727.
SPONSORS
The Tour of Homes & Gardens is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to all of our 2024 Tour sponsors! To become a 2025 Home Tour Sponsor, please email [email protected] with your interest.
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Sesquicentennial Park
SPAR has installed a temporary park on Main Street, aptly named Sesquicentennial Park, in celebration of 150 years of the Springfield neighborhood. The pocket park was completed in February 2019 and was in use for the entire Sesquicentennial year. Due to the successful activation of the space, the lease for Sesquicentennial Park has been extended over the past few years.
SPAR hosts events in Sesquicentennial Park and we look forward to the park being activated not only by us but by our neighbors, as well.
The park, located at 1527 N. Main St. and centered around a century-old live oak tree, is semi-enclosed with picket fencing and features a stage. The grand opening of the park was March 6, 2019 with the kick-off of “Music on Main." This music series, organized by SPAR, includes food trucks, live music, beer and wine, and is free and open to the public.
Currently there are no public spaces north of 1st Street on Main Street in Historic Springfield. SPAR is leading the way to change that by utilizing this place-making strategy that has seen success in many other urban areas. The goal is to create or enhance public spaces. This helps meet community needs and bring underused places to life.
Booking the Park:
1. Would you like to book Sesquicentennial Park for your next outdoor event? Download the Sesquicentennial Park Application here
2. Submit your $20 application fee at the time of submission here (If you are a member of Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association, this fee is waived)
"What a great idea: Downtown needs its vital neighborhoods like Springfield to have great activities like these that draw neighbors and residents together." - The Florida Times-Union
Sesquicentennial Park was created with support from:
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization
Jacksonville PorchFest
LandVilla Outdoor
LISC Jacksonville
JoAnn Tredennick and Jack Meeks
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Heather Benfield published Community Meeting February 2019 in Community Meeting Notes 2019-02-18 10:46:33 -0500
Community Meeting February 2019
Date: 2/7/19
Location: Wells Fargo Community Learning Center (1601 N. Main Street)
Time: 5:30 pmKelly Rich, SPAR Executive Director, welcome the approximate 45 guests to the meeting.
Read more
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Historic Preservation Workshops
Join us for our 2025 Historic Preservation Summer Series!
Historic properties have a unique charm and craftmanship, and they also have unique needs for maintenance and renovation. Our Historic Preservation Workshop Series helps property owners in Springfield learn more about their historic homes and how to preserve them.
2025 Historic Preservation Summer Series
- May 21, EVENT REGISTRATION COMING SOON
- Workshop is free. Advance registration is not required but is kindly requested. Register here (coming soon).
- June 25, EVENT REGISTRATION COMING SOON
- Workshop is free, but advance registration is requested. Please register online here (coming soon).
- July 16, EVENT REGISTRATION COMING SOON
- Workshop is free. Advance registration is not required but is kindly requested. Register here (coming soon).
- August 20, EVENT REGISTRATION COMING SOON
- Workshop is free. Advance registration is not required but is kindly requested. Register here (coming soon).
All Historic Preservation Workshops are free. Each presentation takes place in the VyStar Community Collaboration Space at the SPAR Building (1321 N Main) unless otherwise noted. Registration is requested for planning purposes but the event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 PM and presentations take place from 6-7 PM.
- May 21, EVENT REGISTRATION COMING SOON
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Heather Benfield published SesQ Saison - Collaboration Beer in Sesquicentennial 2019-02-08 11:15:06 -0500
SesQ Saison - Collaboration Beer
In celebration of the Sesquicentennial of Springfield, area breweries are collaborating on a special beer. Springfield breweries Hyperion Brewing Company, Main & Six Brewing Company, and Strings Sports Brewery are working with Downtown’s Intuition Ale Works and San Marco’s Aardwolf Brewing Company.
“Springfield is Jacksonville’s original neighborhood, and we’re looking forward to honoring that with this beer,” Kelly Rich, SPAR executive director said. “We have a wonderful craft brewery scene in Jacksonville, and this beer embodies the collaborative spirit that I love about our urban core neighborhoods. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Champion Brands and our local breweries on this anniversary beer.”
The “Sesq Saison” is a Belgian Style Brett Saison with an effervescent and complex flavor profile with citrus and spice.
“Springfield is a great community that has been an integral part of North Florida for the last 150 years and continues to thrive,” David Rigdon, Chain Sales Manager for Champion Brands, said. “Great communities are built by the residents and local businesses. The question asked – what would be the best way to share this story of a century and a half of culture with all of Jacksonville? The answer given – over a pint of great beer collaborated by their local breweries of course!”
This beer will be available at special pop-up events throughout Northeast Florida during 2019. We will be updating this page, along with our Facebook and Instagram pages, when additional events are scheduled.
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Sponsorships
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council runs multiple yearly events and programs. If you or your business are interested in receiving sponsorship information on specific programs, please fill out this form and we will be in touch with you soon. Your in-kind gifts of items or services are also appreciated!
Thank you for your interest in supporting our organization's work!
Sign up
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Heather Benfield published Looking back at 2018: Neighborhood Organizations in Media & Blog 2019-01-02 09:15:17 -0500
Looking back at 2018: Neighborhood Organizations
We’re counting down to 2019 and Springfield’s Sesquicentennial by looking back at 2018 and giving thanks. Join us in celebrating this past year!
Today we’d like to give thanks to our fellow urban core neighborhood organizations. We are looking forward to growing our relationships with these groups and working together on mutually beneficial projects and events.
This year we were honored to be a part of the Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville Neighborhoods (open through May, 15, 2019) signature exhibition that marks the 50th anniversary of Jacksonville consolidation, focusing on the development and sustainability of Jacksonville’s many neighborhoods – urban, suburban, and rural.
SPAR staff also hosted tables at a CLIMB event on the Eastside and at two FSCJ volunteer fairs this year.
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Heather Benfield published 2018 Residential Revival Project in Media & Blog 2018-12-26 12:05:30 -0500
2018 Residential Revival Project
We’re counting down to 2019 and Springfield’s Sesquicentennial by looking back at 2018 and giving thanks. Join us in celebrating this past year!
We were thrilled to grow our Residential Revival Project this year and give back to a long-term Springfield couple on a small-scale exterior renovation. With $1,000 for materials and the help of donations and volunteer work, SPAR was able to do the equivalent of $15,000 worth of repairs.
The neighborhood residents and businesses truly came together to help protect the historic fabric of our community. Because of the success and continued need in the neighborhood for similar projects, SPAR will continue the program to assist a minimum of one low to moderate income resident each year with the costs of exterior maintenance and restoration of their historic homes.
If you or your business is interested in learning more about donating to this project or volunteering, please email [email protected]. We’ll be announcing details about our 2019 Residential Revival Project soon.
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2018 Jax PorchFest
We’re counting down to 2019 and Springfield’s Sesquicentennial by looking back at 2018 and giving thanks. Join us in celebrating this past year!
2018 marked the fifth year of Jax PorchFest, and the event drew approximately 15,000 people to Springfield! Special thanks to the sponsors, committee members, volunteers, and attendees for making it the most successful Jax PorchFest to date!
This family-friendly, free music festival held on the front porches of the neighborhood and in Klutho Park embodies the welcoming spirit of the Springfield community.
We hope you enjoyed this year’s festival, and we’ll be announcing soon preliminary details about the 2019 event. Follow Jax PorchFest and the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) page for the latest updates.
If you’re interested in learning about sponsorship, vendor, or volunteering information for the 2019 Jax PorchFest, please email [email protected] to be placed on our notification list.
(Photos: Debra Heuskin Photography)
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Heather Benfield published Thank You 2018 Sponsors, Donors, and Members! in Media & Blog 2018-12-21 09:22:41 -0500
Thank You 2018 Sponsors, Donors, and Members!
(Photo: Debra Heuskin Photography)We’re counting down to 2019 and Springfield’s Sesquicentennial by looking back at 2018 and giving thanks. Join us in celebrating this past year!
Today, we’d like to thank all our sponsors, donors, and members. Their support of our organization allows us to work on our mission of ensuring Historic Springfield is a preferred place to live and do business by leading programs that drive the preservation, revitalization, and balanced growth of our community.
If you patron a sponsor of a SPAR program or event; please thank them for their support!
If you or your business are interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities for 2019, please reach out to [email protected]. You can learn more about becoming a member of SPAR here.
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Heather Benfield published Looking back at 2018: Bike Socials in Media & Blog 2018-12-19 16:00:22 -0500
Looking back at 2018: Bike Socials
We’re counting down to 2019 and Springfield’s Sesquicentennial by looking back at 2018 and giving thanks. Join us in celebrating this past year!
One of many reasons that Springfield is a fantastic place to live is the bikeability of the neighborhood. We celebrated that last night with the Holiday Bike Ride, an annual Springfield tradition of friends and neighbors leisurely riding through the Historic District to enjoy the lights and spectacle of the holidays.
This year we also took a bike ride to a Jacksonville Jaguars game and SPAR Board, Staff, and Committee members rode to a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game! We love being a bike ride away from even more entertainment options!
Keep an eye out on the SPAR page for information on our 2019 bike socials!
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Thank you 2018 volunteers!
We’re counting down to 2019 and Springfield’s Sesquicentennial by looking back at 2018 and giving thanks. From now until the new year, join us in celebrating the past year. On this first day, we’d like to recognize our volunteers!
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2018 Holiday Bike Ride - December 18
Join your friends and neighbors for this Springfield holiday tradition - the Holiday Bicycle Ride. It's a leisurely evening bicycle ride through the Historic District to enjoy the lights and spectacle of the holidays.
Kids are encouraged, as are bike decorations!
Meet at bandstand in Klutho Park (corner of W. 3rd & Silver) at 6pm on December 18, and the ride should end around 8pm. The route will cover the majority of the neighborhood and allow riders to experience all of Historic Springfield’s best holiday displays from the perfect vantage point.
There will be post ride festivities to be announced in the event page!
*all riders are encouraged to have a bike light & safety gear
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Heather Benfield published Ribbon Cutting for New Bike Repair Stations in Media & Blog 2018-12-11 12:53:07 -0500
Ribbon Cutting for New Bike Repair Stations
We had a ribbon cutting ceremony with AARP on Nov. 27 for our new bicycle maintenance station behind the SPAR building on Main Street! We were one of 129 grantees to receive funding through AARP Livable Communities' AARP Community Challenge "Quick Action" grant program.
SPAR's project funded two bicycle and wheelchair maintenance stations (the other in Klutho Park); as well as the installation of additional trash receptacles on Main Street.
Click here to read more about the grant.
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Heather Benfield published September Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Graese in Media & Blog 2018-08-28 10:05:06 -0400
September Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Graese
Diane Graese moved to Springfield from Las Vegas a little over a year ago. In a very short time, she has built a reputation as a passionate and dedicated volunteer in our community. “I came to Jacksonville because it was a big city; I came to Springfield because a website called Neighborhood Search told me I would find all that I was looking for. I knew no one, but on my first visit here there were people who welcomed me into their homes and I felt such a good vibe,” Diane explained. “I ignored the naysayers and listened to the stories of how the neighborhood was changing and the visions for the future.”
Read more
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Heather Benfield published Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Selected as AARP Community Challenge ‘Quick Action’ Grant Recipient in Media & Blog 2018-07-19 11:27:45 -0400
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Selected as AARP Community Challenge ‘Quick Action’ Grant Recipient
We are excited to announce that SPAR is one of 129 grantees who will receive funds through AARP Livable Communities’ AARP Community Challenge ‘Quick Action’ grant program. Awardees across the country will receive grants to fund innovative projects that can inspire change and make counties, cities, towns and rural areas better places to live for residents of all ages.
Read more
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Heather Benfield published Board Meeting - 4/16/18 in Board Meeting Minutes 2018-07-02 09:20:18 -0400
Board Meeting - 4/16/18
SPAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, April 16, 2018 - 6:00 pm Southern Moss Realty (1501 N. Main Street)
Present: Todd Hollinghead, President, Aaron Glick, Vice President, Jack Adams, Treasurer, Jaimee Stewart, Secretary, Bill Hoff, Ex Officio, Kelly Lezama, Yolanda Copeland, Joey Marchey, Jamie Toraason, Mark Morley, Soner Acar
Not Present: Noelle Easterling, Tim Hope, Janie Coffey, Michael Montoya, Michelle Tappouni
Staff/Resources Present: Kevin O’Halloran, Kelly Rich
Guests: Diane Graese, Justin Geary, Lissa Dunn, Sarah Clark-Stuart
CALL TO ORDER:
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The meeting was called to order by Vice President Aaron Glick at 6:12 pm.
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Heather Benfield published Board Meeting - 5/21/18 in Board Meeting Minutes 2018-06-22 11:02:52 -0400
Board Meeting - 5/21/18
SPAR Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, May 21, 2018 - 6:00 pm Southern Moss Realty (1501 N. Main Street)
Present: Todd Hollinghead, President, Aaron Glick, Vice President, Jack Adams, Treasurer, Jaimee Stewart, Secretary, Bill Hoff, Ex Officio, Kelly Lezama, Joey Marchey, Jamie Toraason, Soner Acar, Noelle Easterling, Janie Coffey, Tim Hope
Not Present: Mark Morley, Michael Montoya, Michelle Tappouni, Yolanda Copeland
Staff/Resources Present: Kevin O'Halloran, Kelly Rich
Guests: Mark Judson, Heather Benfield
CALL TO ORDER
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Meeting called to order by Todd Hollinghead, President, at 6:05pm