Proceeds from Dogs of Springfield Calendar Donated to Great Cause
Cusatti's Critters is a non-profit charity, run by JSO officers who have a long history in, and connection to, Springfield. The charity takes in old or handicapped dogs that are abandoned or surrendered. Currently, they are caring for more than 20 dogs. However, much of their shelter was damaged by Irma so they are rebuilding. This is our way of giving back and showing our support for this wonderful cause!
SPAR Board Now Accepting Applications
SPAR board members, staff, and committee members at a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game
We're happy to share that the SPAR Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for new board members. We are looking for board members who believe in our mission to preserve and revitalize Springfield and are willing to be active in their governance roles. A primary responsibility of board directors is to participate in the development of policy and major decision-making at board meetings held once a month. Another key responsibility is to be active on an ongoing basis in a committee of the board.
Read more"Formed to Fit" Sculpture in Klutho Park
In collaboration with Sculpture Walk Jacksonville, SPAR, along with the help of multiple generous donors, has purchased "Formed to Fit" by Jennifer Rubin Gary, to be erected in Klutho Park...permanently!
A partnership between Sculpture Walk Jax, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and SPAR afforded the opportunity for ten large scale sculptures to be displayed in Henry J. Klutho Park. They were erected just in time for Porchfest 2017, and will be there until fall 2019.
You can read more about this here.
Want to support the cause? Find out more about (and donate to) Sculpture Walk Jacksonville here: www.sculpturewalkjax.com
Photo by Amanda Luiso
SPAR Welcomes New Administrative Assistant
On what she loves most about Springfield:
"I've lived in the Riverside, Avondale, and currently Murray Hill historic neighborhoods. My husband and I (and our two wonderful dogs) are hoping to buy in Springfield next year! I love Springfield because the sense of community here is unlike any other neighborhood, the willingness to help your neighbor is incredible and has made me want to be a part of the community."
Street Sweeping Pilot Program
The City of Jacksonville is conducting a street sweeping pilot program in the Southwest quadrant (South of 8th, West of Main) of the Springfield Historic District.
Read moreSPAR Wins Historic Preservation Award
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) was pleased to be honored by the City of Jacksonville's Historic Preservation Commission at their annual awards ceremony held on May 3rd, 2018. The award recognized SPAR for its commercial corridor facade grant program which has helped revitalize commercial areas of the Springfield Historic District. The facade grant program was led by the Commercial Corridors Committee of SPAR, chaired by Jamie Toraason. Through this program -the only one of its kind in Jacksonville- SPAR enabled owners of historic buildings to make improvements to their facades. In doing so, both the character of the community and the experience of the customers and guests were improved.
The program has contributed thousands of dollars to local Springfield businesses and organizations and will be accepting new applications through 2018, with new grants awarded on a rolling basis. To be eligible, a business must be a member of the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA), a subsidiary of SPAR. Read more about our commercial facade grant program.
SPAR Recognized for Community Wellness
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) was pleased to accept the Neighbors Get Moving award from the City of Jacksonville at their inaugural Neighborhood Awards & Community Summit on April 21, 2018. The award recognized SPAR for it's role in organizing and promoting wellness activities and the Springfield Historic District community and for making physical fitness not just a task, but a lifestyle.
[Photo: Todd Hollinghead, SPAR President, accepts the award from city and state representatives.]
Read moreNow Hiring: SPAR Administrative Assistant
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR)
Administrative Assistant
Overview:
The Administrative Assistant is the Assistant to the Executive Director of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR). The Administrative Assistant is responsible to, evaluated by, and works at the direction of the Executive Director. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for supporting, organizing, and occasionally managing various activities consistent with the organization’s mission and financial objectives, as outlined below. This description is intended to be broad and duties of this position will vary and grow as the organization advances. This is a part-time position.
Read moreVolunteer Spotlight: Jason Waters
Jason Waters came to Springfield looking for a community he could become engaged with, and he found it.
* * *
Read moreBoys & Girls Club Becoming Citi Teen Center
Feature by Lily Hinz
A Rich History and A Bright Future: Lee Boys and Girls Club to Become Citi Teen Center
As many Springfield residents know, the Laurence F. Lee Boys and Girls Club, located at the corner of Liberty and 10th Street, served the community for nearly 50 years, but closed after summer camp in 2015. The recession and rising maintenance costs took a toll on the facility, which necessitated a total renovation of the buildings and the grounds.