The city of Gainesville took a significant step toward revitalizing one of its beloved public spaces while preserving the spirit of a hometown legend.
Mayor Harvey Ward, Commissioner Bryan Eastman, Betsy Waite, director of Wild Spaces & Public Places, and other city officials celebrated Friday morning with a groundbreaking ceremony for renovations planned at Tom Petty Park, 501 NE 16th Ave.
With an estimated completion date of early 2026, the upgrades seek to enhance the park’s accessibility and recreational offerings for the community.
Waite addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of the construction efforts and the companies involved in bringing the vision to life, such as Kimley-Horne and D.E. Scorpio Corporation, and others.
“It takes so many people to make this project possible,” Waite said.
The cost of the renovation is $1.9 million and is being paid for using funds from the Wild Spaces & Public Places half-cent sales tax.
Tom Petty, the legendary rock musician and Gainesville native who died in October 2017, remains an enduring figure in the city’s history.
Best known for hits like “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl,” Petty’s legacy lives on through this park, renamed in his honor in 2018.
Planned updates include the removal of existing racquetball courts to make way for eight new pickleball courts, new seating areas with a pavilion, a pedestrian entrance from Northeast 16th Avenue with a crosswalk, and a community bulletin board.
Ward spoke about the park’s evolution over the years, reflecting on its deep roots in the Gainesville community.
“This is a shared experience for the community,” Ward said. “Tom Petty came to this park when he was growing up. This is a special place for the Gainesville community. We listened at city hall meetings and we’re excited about this project to honor the past and celebrate the future.”
Other upgrades include improved accessibility with a rerouted multipurpose trail that meets ADA standards, better lighting for the parking lot and main north-south trail, renovated restrooms, stormwater management upgrades and more.
Eastman highlighted the significance of these changes for residents, especially for the pickleball community and dog owners
He noted that the park has long been a staple of the community, offering green space for leisure and recreation.
“This is a beloved park in our community,” Eastman said. “My 4-year-old loves this park. It is very active. Anytime you come out here, you will see different uses of this park. District 4 folks are very engaged in local government. They made sure everyone’s interests were included without being overshadowed by one another.”
