Article by Scott Gann and the Bold Cities Project
Jacksonville’s Hidden Urban Creeks - Hogans Creek
Where can you find a manatee, shopping carts, tons of bridges, 1926 architecture, the smell of fresh coffee, and a dead alligator? What if I told you I found all of that in downtown Jacksonville a couple weeks ago?
Downtown Jacksonville is hiding two beautiful, but neglected, creeks that run through the core of the city, Hogans and McCoys Creek. Hogans Creek is characterized by large bridges passing overhead, the Maxwell House coffee manufacturing plant, bulkheads, and concrete columns built in 1926, along with plenty of wildlife.
I spent a couple of days filming on my stand-up paddle-board to show what the creek looks like today because the city of Jacksonville, in partnership with Groundwork Jacksonville, is dedicating millions of dollars to revitalize these natural areas to create linear parks for the public. Can you imagine what it could look like? The video includes all of my footage of Hogans Creek, and an informational video exploring the future of both creeks will be coming soon.
The following picture log includes screenshots from the video highlighting key parts of the creek. For a more complete perspective of the creek go ahead and watch the video.
DISCLAIMER: The water may not be safe as it is could be contaminated with stuff that’s not good for humans (notably arsenic). There are warning signs along the creek that I didn’t read until later, but stay safe if you’re going to explore yourself.
Hogans Creek behind the Maxwell House Coffee Factory and below Hart Bridge / Commodore Point Expressway