Local Park System Continues to Grow with Coming Construction

Groundbreaking Celebration Set for May 8

April 30, 2025

The City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency continue to grow the community's robust park network. Construction will soon begin on the new neighborhood park located near the southwest corner of Orange Avenue and Meridian Street. To celebrate, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held on May 8 at 11 a.m.

"This project came about through strategic, thoughtful infrastructure planning and intentional collaboration with residents," said Dianne Williams-Cox, chair of the Blueprint Board of Directors and City of Tallahassee Mayor Pro Tem. "This park will provide new area amenities, enhance quality of life and complement other infrastructure investments nearby, like the City's Southside Transit Center which is also under construction."

Funded by Blueprint with support from a grant through the Resilient Florida Grant Program, the project creates a neighborhood park and community gathering space. Amenities will include a shaded children's play area, shaded fitness area, picnic pavilions and trail. Additionally, the project includes enhancements to the East Drainage Ditch between South Monroe and Meridian streets, which will improve stormwater management and environmental resilience.

"This park represents another important step in our commitment to building a stronger, more connected community in Leon County through thoughtful infrastructure and meaningful public engagement," said Blueprint Board of Directors Vice Chair and Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. "It's the result of years of planning, public input and a shared vision for enhancing quality of life in this growing area of our community."

Design work for the project and community engagement has been ongoing since early 2021. Through neighborhood and project-specific meetings (both virtual and in-person), community events and a community survey, residents shared their ideas and preferences for the new park. This insight helped inform the final design. When complete, this new park will be maintained by the City of Tallahassee as part of its large and diverse network of more than 100 parks, totaling nearly 4,000 acres, along with over 70 miles of trails.

The community is invited to join in the May 8 celebration. Limited parking will be available on site, with access off Orange Avenue and overflow parking available at Leonard Wesson School on Meridian Street. Flat, closed-toe shoes are recommended.

For more information about the project, visit Talgov.com/OrangePark.