Park Projects

LOVE YOUR PARKS - PARK PROJECTS – UPDATED AUGUST 2022

Gainesville Parks & Recreation is continuing the implementation of the 2030 Parks, Greenways & Open Space Master Plan that focuses on preparing for the recent and future growth of the community. The Agency intends to upgrade and add amenities and facilities at every park, while also looking to acquire develop new parks. Our current list of park projects is below: 

Midland Greenway Renovations
The Greenway Lighting Project at Midland has begun. It will make the park more user friendly in the winter months and provide an additional layer of safety for park users. 

Midland Park has already seen the addition of the trailhead parking and ponds, and the ADA playground. Plus, the dog park is nearing completion and a Yappy Hour Celebration is being planned for the fall. So much more is coming; including a permanent covered stage with sound and lighting, as well as shade structures, a dining plaza, and restrooms

Lanier Point Athletic Complex Improvements
More improvements are coming to Lanier Point Athletic Complex, in addition to the new LED lights that have been installed! New batting cages will be placed inside the complex, as well as a small playground. The current batting cage location will be transitioned to a pavilion space for post tournament parties at the park!

City Park Improvements
All new LED lights will be installed at all City Park and Candler Fields. These lights replaced the outdated and ineffective halogen lights which reduces maintenance and operating costs. The new field lighting is more energy efficient while providing brighter light, and contributes to less light pollution in the community.   

Martha Hope Cabin Improvements
Parking in City Park is an issue that needs attention. Parking improvements at Martha Hope Cabin will add approximately 30 spaces to City Park which should relieve some of the parking issues on game days, as well as during rental events. Concept Plan

NEW Disc Golf Course
Gainesville Parks & Recreation has designed, developed, and installed an 18-hole course at Wessell Park. The course begins near the parking lot and skirts the edge of the park amenities, eventually winding through the woods of the 11 acre park. Construction is completed and the staff are planning a grand opening tournament for the fall. 

J. Melvin Cooper Youth Sports Complex 
Work has finally begun on this long awaited park located off Old Cornelia Highway adjacent to White Sulphur Elementary. The 89 acre complex will include 5 ball diamonds, 1 multipurpose field, a walking path, track, and playground. This park will bring in an estimated $6 million in economic impact annually and provide additional space that is greatly needed for youth programming. Concept Plan

Fair Street Neighborhood Center
The Agency is adding a beautiful outdoor pavilion with seating to the facility. The amenity will be the perfect addition for outdoor weddings with indoor receptions. A small playground is also being added onsite. Project completion is expected for Spring 2023. 

NEW Playgrounds
Playground improvements, replacements, and installations are ongoing throughout Gainesville’s park system. This year new playgrounds are coming to Lanier Point Athletic Complex and Fair Street Neighborhood Center!

NEW Mini Pitch/Sport Court
In partnership with the United Way of Hall County, mini pitch/sport court, has been installed and is ready for use at Myrtle Street Park. The mini-pitch includes LED lighting, artificial turf, fencing, goals, and benches. Due to the immediate popularity of the mini pitch, we are adding a pavilion to the site; a grand opening tournament is being planned for fall. 

Kayak Shack
In partnership with Gnarly Marsh, Gainesville Parks & Recreation offers self-serve kayak rentals at Longwood Park. Similar to scooter rentals in larger cities, park users will be able to rent a kayak from their smart phone and enjoy paddling in Longwood Cove on Lake Lanier.

Wilshire Trails Ridgewood Terrace Trailhead & Urban Fitness Court
Accessibility along the Highlands to Islands trail system is important for trail users. The parking lot at Ridgewood Terrace Road within Wilshire Trails Park will also include a unique outdoor fitness court for circuit training from TrekFit. 

NEW Park Restrooms
Three new park restroom facilities are planned in the next 5 years. Locations include the Midland Greenway, Wessell Park and Riverside Park. The 2030 Parks Greenways and Open Space Master Plan survey results showed restrooms as a top 5 need ranked by the public. 

Park Signage
The Agency began updating its park signage in 2017. This project is ongoing due to the magnitude and costs associated. Park users can expect to see new signage in the Midland Greenway in 2022. Wayfinding signage is critical to an enjoyable park experience for the public.

Frances Meadows Maintenance PoolPaks
Frances Meadows Aquatic & Community Center operates 2 large indoor pools. The facility has three PoolPak units that provide heating and air to the pool locations, while also supporting air quality and the heating of the pool water. These units are now 14 years old and nearing the end of their lifecycle. Mechanical repairs are ongoing and increasingly more expensive, so the Agency is replacing these units over the next 3 years.          

See more plans for the future of your parks and recreation system.