City of Gainesville to Reopen Forest Park at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2023) – City of Gainesville leaders invite all neighbors to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of Forest Park in Southwest Gainesville.  The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Forect Park is located at 4501 S.W. 20th Avenue.

The park has been closed for renovations since February.  The municipal park features new turf for its three full-sized soccer fields, as well as for an additional 2/3-sized soccer field for younger players and senior athletes.  There are two sand volleyball courts each with adjustable nets for competition-quality play and two basketball courts also striped for six pickleball courts.  There are both small- and large-dog park areas with new amenities.  And there is outdoor lighting for evening play, eight player benches, 30 new bleachers, 13 shade structures and perimeter fencing.

 Additional improvements have been made to the parking lots, two recreational pavilions, field drainage and irrigation.

 Construction costs for the project totaled $3.6 million funded through the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax and a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program matching grant.

In case of severe weather, the event will be rescheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.

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