Terrance Johnson

Terrance Johnson 

Events & Operations Manager 

Q: How long have you worked here and what drew you to the job?  

Johnson: I’ve been with the nonprofit since July of 2020. I was drawn here out of friendship and the need for something to do. It’s no secret that Liz and I worked together at a previous job. She had a position come open and I just happened to be free at the time. It turned out to be a little different than what I expected. I actually enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would. I’ve never had the opportunity to work outside and it is a park. Parks tend to bring out the best in most people. It’s serene and peaceful and that’s sort of my demeanor, so it fits me. 

Q: What does your job involve? 

Johnson: I’m the Events and Operations Manager and one of the things I learned a long time ago- I’m a mid-50-something man in the workforce for probably 40 years – is that titles mean nothing when there’s things to do. I consider my job to be all encompassing of whatever’s needed, but the title says I’m the Events and Operations Manager, so I manage and work with all of the events that come through the park. I also control most day-to-day operations, dealing with the staff, dealing with the public. It’s one of those things where there’s never a dull day and I welcome that. 

Q: What is your favorite spot in James Weldon Johnson Park? 

Johnson: I would say that the park is like your children. You love all of it, but there’s always a favorite. I would have to say my favorite part of the park is probably the Kids Zone because we see a lot of families come through with their children so there’s a lot of play, whether it’s with what we put out there that particular day or it could just be enjoying the lily pads that live out there. It’s about parents watching their children be children. Something as simple as that tends to charge me for that particular moment.  

Additional comments: 

I see the park as a public gathering place because for everyone who comes to the park, it can mean something different to them at that particular moment. Of course, being human, you hope that someone can come and get something they need. Whether it’s just to see people interacting with each other, or you need a seat to feel some sun rays to feel better in that particular moment. The way we activate the park, it could be just to come by and enjoy a few minutes of your day, listen to some music or people watch. Most of the time you can grab something to eat. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets joy out of eating. And it just so happens that I believe the park is in the perfect spot. There was the belief that the park was the heart of Jacksonville, and being a native of Jacksonville, I tend to agree with it. It’s been a lot of things through the decades. The one thing I think it has become is a good place for most people. I love that.