Wild Spaces & Public Places Current Projects

Project Description:

This project consists of the renovation of the Wilhemina Johnson Cultural Center, a 3,800-square-foot building located at 321 NW 10th Street, along with site improvements. The project involves a holistic building renovation, new electrical service to the building, improved site lighting, new sewer lateral, stormwater enhancements, new concrete sidewalks, new bike racks, parking lot resurfacing and new landscaping.

The renovation began in April 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027. Sharmie Ffar Park, which is adjacent to the Wilhemina Johnson Center, and the center's parking lot will be closed during construction to allow for grounds improvements and construction staging. J.E. Decker Construction Group, LLC, a small, locally owned business, is serving as the general contractor at a total estimated project cost of  $2,047,177.49. 

Cost: 

$2,047,177.49

Consultant/Contractor:

J.E. Decker Construction Group, LLC

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov

Additional Information:

For more detailed information about the Wilhelmina Johnson Center Improvements project, please visit the dedicated webpage below. This page includes project history, schedule information and ongoing project updates.

View Project Page

Project Description: 

The Bivens Arm Nature Park project involves two major components: restoration of the park's marsh and replacement of its aging boardwalk. The restoration work began in July 2026 and will restore water levels in the park that have been lowered through channelization, the process of straightening and widening natural stream beds, and draining of wetlands. Once the restoration work is complete, the park's deteriorating boardwalk will be replaced. This process consists of replacing stringers, posts, handrails and beams with durable materials for increased longevity. 

Oelrich Construction, Inc., a locally-owned business, is overseeing the project for a total cost of $3,510,536.00. The boardwalk replacement is funded through the Wild Spaces & Public Places Department for $2,179,460.00, while the marsh restoration work is funded through the General Capital Fund and Tree Mitigation Fund for $1,331,076.00. The project is anticipated to be complete in spring 2027. 

Cost:

$3,510,536.00 

• Boardwalk Replacement: $2,179,460.00 (funded through Wild Space & Public Places)
• Marsh Restoration: $1,331,076.00 (funded through General Capital Fund and Tree Mitigation Fund)

Consultant/Contractor: 

Oelrich Construction, Inc. 

Contact: 

waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov

Project Description:

This project involves the renovation of the existing wildflower garden at Alfred A. Ring Park. The project scope includes site preparation and the installation of new native plantings, pergolas, benches, fencing and trail improvements.

Budget:

$200,000

Consultant/Contractor: 

A contractor is currently being determined through a competitive procurement process. 

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov  

Project Description: 

This project consists of a 0.7-mile-long multiuse trail that will connect Sweetwater Wetlands Park to Sweetwater Preserve. The new trail ranges in width from 12 to 16 feet for areas with steeper grades. This multiuse trail will help connect existing parks to the larger network of trails in southeastern Gainesville. This project is partially funded by Alachua County. 

Budget:

$1.5 million 

Consultant/Contractor: 

A contractor is currently being determined through a competitive procurement process. 

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov 

Project Description:

This project consists of the design and construction of an approximately 0.7 mile long, 10-foot-wide multiuse asphalt paved trail between SW 34th Street and SW 40th Place. The new trail will extend along the same corridor as the future roadway planned for SW 47th Avenue. 

The first phase of the SW 47th Avenue Trail and SW 40th Boulevard Trail were completed under the previous round of Wild Spaces & Public Places funding. This new segment of the trail corridor will provide a connection to SW 40th Place and SW 27th Street to the north and east. 

Budget:

$1.25 million

Consultant/Contractor: 

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov 

Project Description:

The SE 8th Avenue Trail project consists of the design and construction of a 10-foot-wide accessible shared use path that will run from SE 15th Street to SE Hawthorne Road. The new shared use path will be part of a larger interconnected system and the longer-term vision of the Eastside Loop Trail.

This project is nearing 60% design plans and land rights are being acquired. 

Budget:

$1 million

Consultant/Contractor: 

This project is being designed and permitted in-house by Wild Spaces & Public Places staff. 

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov 

Project Description:

This project consists of the design and construction of a 0.8-mile-long multiuse trail that will connect Depot Park to Sweetwater Preserve. The project includes two new pedestrian bridges, stormwater conveyance improvements, a new culvert crossing, trailhead improvements, striping and signage, and the installation of a solar light near SE Williston Road. This multiuse trail will help connect existing parks to the larger network of trails in southeastern Gainesville. This project is partially funded by Alachua County. 

Budget:

$3.5 million

Contractor/Consultant:

• DRMP, Inc.
• Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. 

Contact: 

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov

Project Description:

This project consists of the replacement of historic windows at the Hippodrome Theatre. 

Budget:

$300,000 (WSPP Contribution)

Consultant/Contractor: 

TBD

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov 

Project Description:

This project consists of the design of a new dog park at the southeastern corner of the existing Greentree Park along with the associated stormwater, lighting and minor utility connections. The dog park will include new sidewalks to connect the existing parking, restroom, playground and pavilions to the new dog park. 

Budget:

$700,000

Consultant/Contractor: 

This project is being designed and permitted by Wild Spaces & Public Places staff in collaboration with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., an engineering consultant. 

Contact:

Rachel Mandell, Project Manager
352-393-8544
mandellrc@cityofgainesville.org 

Project Description:

The City of Gainesville is planning improvements at the historic Boulware Springs Waterworks site to preserve the Waterworks Building and enhance public access to this unique natural and cultural resource. The project consists of the renovation of the historic Waterworks Building, construction of a new trailhead restroom, a new parking area, site lighting, a pavilion, landscaping and site stabilization improvements. Together, these upgrades will protect the site’s historic character while making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.  

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, and the State of Florida. 

Budget: 

The current project budget is $4,723,555 with a $375,000 grant from the State of Florida. Construction costs will be further refined once the project scope has been reevaluated. 

Consultant/Contractor: 

• Engineering and Master Planning: Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc.
• Architectural Design: Studio MJG, LLC
• Landscape Architecture: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Design: Campbell Spellicy Engineering, Inc.
• Structural Design: GSE Engineering & Consulting, Inc.

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov

Additional Information: 

For more detailed information on the Boulware Springs Nature Park and Historic Waterworks Building project, please visit the webpage below. This page includes project history, schedule information and ongoing project updates. 

View Project Page

Project Description:

This project consists of the development of a master plan for Morningside Nature Center, a 416-acre nature park with significant historical and cultural resources such as the Living History Farm, a recreated 1800s small community with relocated historic structures, livestock and kitchen garden areas. The park is also home to various sensitive native ecosystems to be enjoyed through trails, boardwalks and wildlife-viewing areas.

To ensure the continued success of the park over the next 20 years, Morningside Nature Center Master Plan evaluates current conditions of the nature park and provides recommendations for future improvements. The currently proposed master plan is under reconsideration to ensure proposed improvements align with staff needs and community priorities. 

A thorough building program for a new nature center will commence following the adoption of the master plan. 

Budget:

$6 million

Consultant/Contractor: 

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov 

Project Description:

This project consists of the structural stabilization of the Bo Diddley Plaza stage and renovations to the surrounding facility to improve functionality and visitor experience. Planned improvements include potential expanded restroom facilities and reconfiguration of interior spaces to maximize operational efficiency and better support events and programming.

Budget:

A construction estimate will be provided as part of the project planning and design phase. 

Consultant/Contractor: 

TBD

Contact:

Phil Mann, Project Manager
352-393-8603
mannpr@cityofgainesville.org 

Project Description:

The T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex is a 15-acre community park located in southeast Gainesville. The site includes a recreation center, the Andrew R. Mickle, Sr. Pool, restrooms, lighted basketball and tennis courts, ball fields, a walking path, picnic areas, a playground, outdoor fitness stations and parking. Although the T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex includes a wide range of amenities, it is in need of renovation. In response, the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and the Wild Spaces & Public Places Department are launching a planning effort to renovate the recreation center and develop a 10-year vision for the park.

The primary focus of this effort is the renovation of the T.B. McPherson Center building, for which the city has currently budgeted $3.5 million, with the intent that design and construction will begin shortly after the master planning process is complete. Since changes to the building’s use and function may affect how the surrounding site looks and operates, it is important to consider that relationship as part of the planning work. At this time, the broader park is being evaluated at a planning level only and is considered a secondary, longer-term component to help guide future investment. 

The city has entered into a professional services agreement with NV5, Inc. for $207,565.

Budget:

$3.5 million (building renovation)

Consultant/Contractor: 

NV5, Inc. 

Contact:

Rachel Mandell, Project Manager
352-393-8544
mandellrc@cityofgainesville.org

Additional Information: 

For more detailed information on the T.B. McPherson Building Renovation and Site Master Plan project, please visit the webpage below. This page includes project history, schedule information and ongoing project updates. 

View Project Page

Project Description:

This project includes an Existing Conditions Assessment and Recommendations Report for the Thomas Center Building, including architectural, structural, and MEP assessments. The report will include a priority list or roadmap for achieving necessary renovations. 

Budget:

A budget for renovations will be determined pending the results of the report. 

Consultant/Contractor: 

R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A.

Contact:

Sarit Sela, Project Manager
352-393-8649
selas@gainesvillefl.gov 

Project Description:

This project consists of the design of a park/trailhead at the former Thelma Boltin Center site, as well as the conceptual alignment of the northern loop of the Sweetwater Greenway Trail. 

Final concepts will be completed in spring 2027 and design will commence following adoption of the conceptual plans. 

Budget:

• Trailhead: $2 million ($1.5 million in WSPP funds and 500k in tree mitigation and stormwater funds)
• Northern Loop of Sweetwater Greenway Trail: TBD

Consultant/Contractor: 

NV5, Inc.

Contact:

Rachel Mandell, Project Manager
352-393-8544
mandellrc@cityofgainesville.org

Additional Information: 

For more detailed information on the Thelma Boltin Site Redevelopment and Trailhead project, please visit the webpage below. This page includes project history, schedule information and ongoing project updates. 

View Project Page

Project Description:

This project will create a new park in District 3. Staff is currently procuring a consultant to complete environmental assessments and a survey to evaluate site conditions and inform the park's design, amenities, and long-term use as either a nature park or neighborhood park.

Budget:

TBD

Consultant/Contractor: 

TBD

Contact:

Rachel Mandell, Project Manager
352-393-8544
mandellrc@cityofgainesville.org 

Project Description:

The NE Eighth Avenue and Waldo Road project is a major effort to improve and redevelop the area within and around this intersection. It focuses on key landmarks like Citizens Field, the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center, the Dwight H. Hunter Northeast Pool and nearby facilities. 

The project includes environmental remediation, new multipurpose fields, an aquatics center and competition pool, parking, and site preparations for a future senior center. The currently developed conceptual plan may be subject to change following initial investigations, program verification and additional public engagement. The duration of the schematic design and program verification phase is anticipated to complete by Spring 2027.

This project is a collaboration across multiple departments at the City of Gainesville including Public Works, Wild Spaces & Public Places (WSPP), Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) and the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA). 

Budget:

$8 million from WSPP, $25 million total

Consultant/Contractor: 

NV5, Inc.

Contact:

Rachel Mandell
352-393-8544
mandellrc@cityofgainesville.org 

Project Description:

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Master Plan is due for an update. This critical planning effort will identify and prioritize future capital improvement projects for Wild Spaces & Public Places funding and serve as the foundation for the department's work plan and investment priorities over the next five years. 

Budget:

$250,000 (WSPP Contribution)

Consultant/Contractor: 

TBD 

Project Description:

This project stems from the City of Gainesville's Downtown Strategic Plan, adopted in October 2022, which identifies the Sweetwater Branch corridor as a key opportunity to connect downtown parks, trails and open spaces. 

The project will advance the vision of transforming the corridor into a vibrant community destination and complements the ongoing Thelma Boltin Trailhead project and planning for the northern loop of the Sweetwater Greenway Trail. 

Budget:

A construction estimate will be provided as part of the project planning and design phase. This project includes funding from Tree Mitigation and Stormwater Management Utility Funds. 

Consultant/Contractor:

TBD

Project Description:

This project consists of the renovation of the Bivens Arm Nature Park entrance to improve accessibility, connectivity and the visitor experience. Complementing the ongoing boardwalk improvements and marsh restoration, the project will upgrade the parking area, restrooms and entry amenities to provide enhanced ADA access throughout the park. 

Budget:

$1 million

Consultant/Contractor:

TBD

Contact:

Betsy Waite, Project Manager
352-393-8187
waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov