The Jacksonville Community Association (JCA), was incorporated in early 1960 as a non-profit organization, to foster a healthy interest in the civic affairs of Jacksonville, and promote community improvements. It was created by a joint initiative of the trustees of the Jacksonville PTA, The Jacksonville Community United Methodist Church, and the now defunct Ulysses Grange, chapter 419, which had its facilities located in the Hamlet. In 1961 the Grange gifted a ten acre park with a sizable pond to the JCA, and the care and maintenance of the park has been a major focus of the organization since then. The park is located adjacent to the Hamlet, on Swamp College Rd., and is open to the public.
The Jacksonville community is broadly defined as those living in the Hamlet and the surrounding area, but also includes those persons who have an abiding interest in, and love of, Jacksonville, be they former residents, or those who come to enjoy the park. The JCA works as a forum for discussion and action on local issues, and strives to strengthen community bonds through meetings, events at the park, and a joint picnic with the United Methodist Church. The JCA also operates an email list-serve.
Over the years the JCA has hosted speakers on various topics of interest, and was instrumental in the provision of municipal water to the Hamlet and other households in Water District 3, following a petroleum spill that contaminated local wells. The JCA contributed to the efforts that resulted in the installation of sidewalk on a portion of Route 96, and in securing improved street markings. The organization has supported the continued operation of the post office, and currently sits on the Town of Ulysses Zoning Update Steering Committee, providing an important Jacksonville voice to that process.
The original by-laws of the JCA called for a Board of Directors with seats allocated among the three founding organizations. Since then, the by-laws have been updated to allow for board members to be selected from the greater community.
Jacksonville Community Association 