It was a day of celebration as the City of Gainesville’s Forest Park reopened Saturday to the delight of the large crowd that came to enjoy the southwest park’s many new amenities.
New turf covers the park’s three full-sized soccer fields, as well as a new 2/3-sized field for younger players and senior athletes. Soon after the ceremonial ribbon was cut, local teams ran out onto the fields while volleyball enthusiasts admired the competition-quality adjustable nets on two sand courts. welded wire mesh
Nearby, the park’s two full-size basketball courts were completely resurfaced to include lines for six pickleball courts – adding this municipal park to the list of places accommodating the fast-growing sport.
Returning visitors to the park immediately noticed the addition of light poles all around – enabling play after dark for the first time. New bleachers for fans, benches for players and water fountains for all could be found throughout the park, in addition to the many bright blue shade structures providing relief from the sun’s rays.
“This park was designed for our community and it is truly amazing,” said District 3 Gainesville City Commissioner Casey Willits. “And with the new lighting, we have a place that everyone can enjoy more times of the day into more times of the year.”
Not as readily apparent but as equally important to the expanded use of the park was the addition of a much-needed storm water management system.
“In the past, the fields could never be used after a heavy rain,” said City Project Manager Peter McNiece. “There was very poor drainage so we raised the elevation of the four fields – as high as three feet in some areas – and added area drains to collect and redirect the water away from the playing surfaces.”
As neighbors gathered at the picnic tables under the two newly renovated pavilions, many made their way to the north side of the park to see the changes to the dog park area.
What had been one ample enclosure in the past is now two – one area for small and low-energy dogs, divided by chain-link fencing from a separate area for big dogs. The latter extends along the west side of Forest Park, giving large, energetic breeds plenty of room to run. Afterward, owners can rinse off their pets in the new dog wash station to tidy up for the trip home.
The new park also sports fencing around the fields and courts, plus barrier netting along SW 43rd Street to contain soccer balls and help ensure everyone’s safety.
The park is open daily from 6 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Visitors can access the main parking lot via the park’s new entrance on SW 20th Avenue. An overflow lot is accessible from SW 43rd Street.
Renovation costs total approximately $3.6 million. The project was funded by the Wild Spaces, Public Places half-cent sales tax and a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program matching grant.
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