Springfield Park (Jacksonville) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Springfield Park
Springfield Park
Type	Municipal (Parks & Recreation Department)
Location	Jacksonville, Florida
Area	6.01 acres (24,300 m2)
Created	1907
Operated by	City of Jacksonville
Status	Open all year

Springfield Park is a public park in Jacksonville, Florida. It's located next to the historic Springfield neighborhood. The park was known by different names in the past. It was called Dignam Park until 1914. Then it was known as Confederate Park until 2020. This park is part of a group of parks that follow along Hogan's Creek.

Park History

Springfield Park first opened in 1907. It was named Dignam Park after a person who used to lead the city's public works department. This park was special because it was the first city park in Jacksonville to have a playground. For many years, until the Civil Rights Movement began, only white people were allowed to visit the park. The Civil Rights Movement was a time when people worked hard to make sure everyone had equal rights, no matter their race.

In 1914, a large group of former soldiers from the American Civil War came to Jacksonville. These soldiers were from the Southern states, known as the Confederacy. About 8,000 of them gathered for a reunion. They chose Dignam Park as the place for a new monument. This monument was built to honor the women of the South. Five months after this big reunion, the city changed the park's name to "Confederate Park." The monument itself was put up in 1915.

On August 11, 2020, the Jacksonville City Council decided to change the park's name again. They voted to call it Springfield Park. This new name comes from the neighborhood where the park is located.

The Playground Area

The Springfield Park Playground is located just east of the main park. This area was once part of Springfield Park. However, it was used for military training during both World War I and World War II. Today, this playground area has been turned into a dog park where people can bring their pets to play.

The Women of the Confederacy Monument

This monument was designed in 1914 by a sculptor named Allen George Newman. It was officially dedicated on October 26, 1915. The company Jno. Williams, Inc. made the metal parts, and McNeel Marble Works built the stone parts.

In 1992, experts from the Smithsonian Institution looked at the monument. They said it needed some repairs to keep it in good condition. The monument's inscription says it was supported by the Florida group of the United Confederate Veterans.

In May 2018, this monument was one of several that people protested against. A group called "March for Change" walked 40 miles (64 km) over three days. They protested against Confederate monuments in Jacksonville and St. Augustine. The monument in Springfield Park is also on a list of memorials that the "Make It Right Project" wants to see removed.

Gallery

• 

  The 1914 reunion of the United Confederate Veterans in Jacksonville.

• 

  Postcard showing Confederate Park in 1918.

• 

  Florida's Tribute to the Women of the Confederacy

• 

  Memorial to Robert Burns

• 

  Eagle statue

• 

  Bridge (1929)

• 

  Entrance to bridge

• 

  Plaque for Iowa regiment in the Spanish-American War