City of Gainesville to reopen Forest Park at ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 23

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – City of Gainesville leaders invite all neighbors to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of Forest Park in Southwest Gainesville.

When: 10 a.m.-noon on Sat., Sept. 23

Where: Forest Park, 4501 SW 20th Avenue

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.
• Two sand volleyball courts, each with adjustable nets for competition-quality play.
• Two basketball courts also striped for six pickleball courts.
• Both small- and large-dog park areas with new amenities.
• Outdoor lighting for evening play, 8 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.)