Wild Spaces & Public Places project updates

Press release from the City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Today, the City of Gainesville sent out updates for its Wild Spaces & Public Places projects.

T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex: Building Renovation and Site Master Plan

Community Workshop #2 Summary

Community Workshop #2 was held on April 9, 2026, at the T.B. McPherson Center to gather feedback on the proposed building renovation and site master plan. The draft concepts presented at the workshop were developed based on input received during the first community workshop and focus groups.

The event was well attended, with approximately 60 participants throughout the evening.

A workshop overview and feedback summary have been posted on the project webpage.

What’s Next?

The third and final workshop has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at the T.B. McPherson Center (1717 SE 15th St.). Staff will present the revised building floorplan and site master plan. We hope to see you there!

---

 
Tom Petty Park: Park Improvements

Temporary Closures

Due to ongoing improvements at Tom Petty Park, there will be temporary impacts to park amenities over the next two weeks.

All pickleball courts will be closed for asphalt repairs and repainting from Monday, May 11–Friday, May 15.
Portions of the main parking lot will be closed for surface improvements and restriping. It will be conducted in phases to allow continued, but limited, access. Please use caution when entering and exiting the parking lot due to temporary lane closures. This work has been delayed due to weather and has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 13–Wednesday, May 20.

What’s Next?

The construction at Tom Petty Park will soon be wrapping up! Keep an eye out for updates on a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early June.

---

Bivens Arm Nature Park

We’re on the agenda!

The Gainesville City Commission will review the Bivens Arm Nature Park Marsh Restoration and Boardwalk Replacement Project at the June 4 meeting.

City staff will present the project scope of work to the City Commission, review the existing conditions of the park, and discuss the proposed cost of work, which is estimated at approximately $2.2 million.

---

Trail Projects

In Construction

NE 31st Avenue Trail: The project consists of a 0.85-mile-long, 10-foot-wide asphalt multiuse trail along the north side of NE 31st Avenue from NE 15th Street to NE Waldo Road. Construction began in October 2025 and is anticipated to be completed this summer. R. E. Arnold Construction, Inc. was awarded the contract for these improvements through a competitive bidding process for a total of $1,499,900.00.

In Design

Sweetwater Recreational Trail: The project consists of a 1.5-mile-long multiuse trail that provides a connection between Depot Park, Sweetwater Preserve, and Sweetwater Wetlands Park. The project is currently entering the procurement phase and is anticipated to begin construction by next year.

SW 47th Avenue Trail: The project consists of a 0.7-mile-long multiuse trail between SW 34th Street and SW 40th Place. This project connects high-density housing with shopping and retail.

SE Eighth Avenue Trail: The project consists of a 0.7-mile-long multiuse trail between SE 15th Street and SE Hawthorne Road, connecting residential areas and schools to commercial infrastructure. This trail is part of a larger interconnected system called the Eastside Loop Trail.

---

Boulware Springs

Before proceeding with construction, the Wild Spaces & Public Places team is taking time to thoroughly review the plans and complete additional due diligence, particularly given the environmental sensitivity of the site. This process may result in refinements to the current design. Our goal is to ensure that renovations of the Waterworks Building, and the associated site improvements, are carried out in the safest and most efficient manner possible. Additional updates will be provided once the project timeline is confirmed.