2 Wild Game Feasts = 2 public parks

The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation will sponsor two local public initiatives: a new military-themed splash park in SW Gainesville and the Generations Recreation Zone located in Northside Park.

The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation (RCGF) voted in August to sponsor two major public park initiatives using proceeds from its annual Wild Game Feast for the next two years to fund these projects.

The first project is a fully-enclosed, military-themed splash park located within Veterans Memorial Park off SW 75th Road. The splash park, to be located behind the Freedom Community Center, will highlight branches of the military and be free to the public. This new splash park will be constructed on a concrete slab with various water features that spray water in different patterns and directions, in a safe “zero depth” water play area. The splash pad will provide citizens a fun new way to cool off from the summer heat and a free outlet for families to spend time together outdoors.

A second Rotary project will improve the existing Northside Park off NW 34th Street.  This project will be called the Rotary Generations Recreation Play Zone and will include outdoor games such as bocce ball, horseshoes, pickleball/tennis courts, table games, an outdoor patio, large pavilion with grills, improvements to the racquetball courts; and a walking paths with outdoor exercise equipment!  “The idea of a multi-generational park is to create public spaces that promote healthy, active recreation to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mary Kate Walker, President of the RCGF.  “Rotary is excited to be a part of a project that meets the needs of so many in our community.”

Gina Peebles, the Assistant Alachua County Manager said, “We are so excited to work with Rotary on this great project!”  Steve Phillips, director of the  City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs said, “We look forward to working with the Foundation and anticipate full support of the City Commission later this fall. It’s a memorable time in our City’s history to be able to develop and upgrade new features in our parks and receive matching funds for this wonderful grant. We have to thank our citizens for voting their support and pass the Wild Spaces and Public Places funding to be the matching support for developing new and innovative parks and recreation facilities.”

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