Funded by the Wild Spaces & Public Places half-cent sales tax, the City of Gainesville recently completed drainage and turf improvements to the track infield at Fred Cone Park. The multipurpose field is once again open to the public.
Fred Cone Park, located at 2841 E. University Ave., has the only lit multipurpose public sports field in Gainesville. The track infield includes areas for track and field events such as the pole vault, shot put, high jump and long jump, accommodating uses ranging from practice to meets for school age to seniors. The infield also provides a space for youth and adult recreational and league sporting events such as football, cheer-leading, rugby and soccer. Prior to the drainage improvements, the field held water after significant rain events making it unplayable for multiple days. The approximate cost of the field and turf improvements is $345,000.
Infield improvements were preceded by the installation of new shade structures over the park bleachers. Also funded by the Wild Spaces & Public Places half-cent sales tax, the new canopy offers shaded seating for sports spectators and spans the full length of the bleachers, which accommodate up to 360 people.
