Groundbreaking held for new Gainesville park

GAINESVILLE - Groundbreaking was held Tuesday at noon to mark the start of construction on Gainesville's new South Side Park.

The park will be located between Fair Street Elementary School and the Gainesville-Hall County Boys and Girls Club and, according to Gainesville Parks and Recreation Director Melvin Cooper, "has brought together a diverse partnership to address the need of playgrounds, a walking trail, picnic site, and athletic facilities in the project area."

A south side citizen's advisory committee was formed to work with the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Parks and Recreation, Gainesville-Hall County Boys and Girls Club, Gainesville City Schools, Safe Kids Coalition, and Major League Baseball.

Cooper says construction of the park is expected to be completed next April.

"The overall project is expected to cost $425,000 with funding coming from the City of Gainesville, Gainesville City Schools, grants from the Department of Community Affairs, the National Parks Services Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Major League Baseball," Cooper said.