Tom Petty Park
Announcement
All irrigation that is occurring at Tom Petty Park is within compliance with the St. Johns River Water Management District requirements for establishment of new landscaping or for maintenance of sports fields. The city is regularly reminding staff and vendors of the irrigation restrictions. Conservation of our water resources is a city value.
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Tom Petty Park, formerly known as Northeast Park, was renamed for the famous, home-grown rock legend in 2018.
Sports fanciers will value the myriad of outdoor activity options in this northeastern park. This park is a mecca for athletes, young and old. Amenities include lighted tennis courts* with a new shade canopy at the east end, eight new, lighted pickleball courts, diamond fields for baseball and softball play, updated lighting on a multi-use filed for flag football, soccer or ultimate frisbee. The paved walking trail will help you get in those step counts! There is a fun and colorful playground for the kids, and picnic tables and grills for family and group outings. We didn't forget Fido. Your dog will love running around at our off-leash dog park! For plant lovers, we also have a Native Plant Garden that provides a vital habitat for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. The birds love it, too! There are many comfortable and shady areas under the beautiful big oak tree, so bring a book, a friend, or a picnic lunch and enjoy Tom Petty Park!
We have added 8 brand new pickleball courts exclusively for pickleball play! The tennis courts are reserved for tennis play only. Thank you for helping us provide everyone with the best racquet experience for both of these fun pastimes! *Help us keep these courts in optimal condition by ONLY playing racquet sports on the courts.
Lighting illuminates connections between the North and South ends of the park. For convenience, there are fresh, new restrooms along with storage and a welcoming concession stand on the opposite side.
Rock musician, Tom Petty, was born in Gainesville and lived a few streets away from the park. He spent many hours in what was Northeast Park and his closest friends remember those times fondly. After his death in 2017, Northeast Park was renamed after Petty. In 2024, a historical marker was erected in the park to commemorate Petty and his legacy as a Gainesville rock legend.
Tom and his band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999 and in 2001, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2017, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers completed their 40th Anniversary Tour which ended September 25th with a performance at California’s Hollywood Bowl. Sadly, Petty passed away at the age of 66 the following week.
22.5 acres
Location
501 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 View Map
29.665235,-82.3203149
501 NE 16th Ave ,
Gainesville, FL 32601
501 NE 16th Ave ,
Gainesville, FL 32601
Tom Petty Park