Council accepted a $40,000 donation from the Kiwanis Club and a $25,000 matching grant from the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation to purchase fitness equipment for Buckner Park.

Rob Goin recognized Kiwanis Club members in the audience and described the combined $65,000 package as a public-private partnership modeled on equipment recently installed at Lincoln Park. The council approved acceptance of the gifts as part of its consent agenda.

City Manager provided details of a planned events series at the new Hazel Tilton Park stage. The Jacksonville Community Arts Alliance will host a family-focused “Falling in Love” event beginning at 10 a.m. with a concert at 5 p.m., followed by a sequence of Friday evening performances through mid-November. The city said improvements at Hazel Tilton Park were funded from proceeds of previously approved lake-lot sales restricted for park use; Lincoln Park improvements used the same funding source.

Staff also reported that the Board of Adjustment had issued demolition orders on 13 additional substandard properties; the city expects the demolitions to occur likely around early 2026 after legal and procurement steps are completed. City officials said the demolitions aim to remove blighted structures that have presented rodent, fire or criminal-activity risks.

The parks and events items were described as part of ongoing efforts to improve public spaces and activate the new stage with local and regional performers. City staff said additional procurement steps remain for the Buckner Park fitness equipment and that matching funds and grant documentation would be used in the purchase process.