GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – A new park in Gainesville offers a place to exercise your body and your mind.

The City of Gainesville the celebrated the completion of the new Lincoln Yard Park last month with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 25.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward (left) along with the City Commissioners and other community leaders dedicated the new Lincoln Yard Park with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 25, 2024. Courtesy: City of Gainesville
Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward recognized several people both past and present who made the park possible and were instrumental in the community development. Courtesy: City of Gainesville

The city says the six-month project transformed a serene green space in the Lincoln Estates neighborhood into a dynamic community hub, complete with a 1/3-mile walking path, children’s playground, and adult exercise equipment.

In addition to those amenities, the park serves as a tribute to the history and legacy of the East Gainesville neighborhood.

Signage at the park entrance highlights the contributions of local leaders.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward along with city leaders and citizens strolled the paved walking trail of the new park. Courtesy: City of Gainesville
The Lincoln Yard Park was funded by the Wild Spaces & Public Places surtax. Courtesy: City of Gainesville
The city says construction of the park cost nearly $370,000. Courtesy: City of Gainesville
The fitness area features an incline bench, pull up bar, push up station and more. Courtesy: City of Gainesville
A decorative, wood fence surrounds a stormwater pond which borders the paved walking trail. Courtesy: City of Gainesville

“People like Thomas Benjamin ‘T.B.’ McPherson, Andrew Mickle and Catherine Mickle,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward. “Individuals who dedicated their lives to elevating Gainesville’s African American community.”

Ward recognized Coach McPherson’s decades-long service to Alachua County Public Schools and his unwavering support for the neighborhood. Catherine and Andrew Mickle were remembered for their contributions as educators and community leaders. Catherine’s education career spanned nearly 40 years from 1957 to 1996 at Lincoln High School. Andrew went on to become aquatics director at the City of Gainesville.

Desmon Duncan-Walker, District 1 Commissioner, reflected on the individuals whose contributions made a major impact to the success of the community. Courtesy: City of Gainesville
Barbara Emmer (center) stands in front of a sign honoring her late husband, Philip, who founded the Lincoln Estates neighborhood. He is credited with developing the community’s affordable homes. Courtesy: City of Gainesville

District 1 Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker connected the park’s opening to the neighborhood’s broader history.

The city says Lincoln Estates was a groundbreaking project, developed by Philip Emmer. Gainesville received national recognition for the neighborhood’s success in fostering affordable, quality housing for African Americans.

“We are excited to celebrate the creation of a new park in the Lincoln Estates neighborhood,” said Roxana Gonzalez, director of parks, recreation and cultural affairs.

Lincoln Yard Park is located at 2099 SE 8th Ave. in East Gainesville. It’s open from dawn to dusk.