JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city's oldest public park is getting a big boost from a prominent lawyer.
Philanthropists Steve Pajcic and his wife, Anne Pajcic, presented a $75,000 check Thursday to the Friends of Hemming Park. The donation is designated a "challenge gift," as it is meant to inspire others to help revitalize the park.
Friends of Hemming Park are hoping for donations from businesses as well as private donors to help maintain the park and bring in more entertainment.
Steve Pajcic says Hemming Park holds a very special place in his heart. He said his mother would take him and his brother and sisters there 60 years ago to shop for school supplies. They went to the dentist down the street and pack sandwiches and eat lunch in the park.
He really felt bad when the park started going downhill and was inspired with the Friends of Hemming Park was launched with the goal of restoring the park to its past glory.
"The city let it go. It went into disrepair," Steve Pajcic said. "I was so happy when Wayne (Wood) and his group stepped forward to bring this park alive again, to give it spirit and make it something we can be proud of."
Every dollar that is spent in Hemming Park will go back into Hemming Park, which is why the group is challenging the community to visit, enjoy food at the food trucks and participate in upcoming events.
For more information about how anyone can help, visit HemmingPark.org.