The Lincoln Yard Park opening celebration was a success

The Lincoln Yard Park ribbon-cutting celebration paid homage to the rich history of the Lincoln Estates neighborhood.

Click here to view the event photo album

Over 60 neighbors came out last week to commemorate the completion of Lincoln Yard Park, located in southeast Gainesville at 2099 SE Eighth Ave.

Celebratory speeches were given under the park's beautiful tree canopy followed by the ribbon-cutting at the park's main entrance.

The ceremony emcee was the Director of the Wild Spaces & Public Places program, Betsy Waite.

Additional remarks were provided by:

Director for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Roxy Gonzalez; Mayor Harvey Ward; and District I Commissioner, Desmon Duncan-Walker.

Also in attendance were:

Lincoln Estates neighborhood advocate, Doris Edwards; widow of Phil Emmer, (Lincoln Estates developer) Barbara Emmer; City Manager Cynthia W. Curry; and City Commissioners Bryan Eastman, Ed Book and Casey Willits.

Commissioners in support of the project, but unable to attend the ceremony, were Cynthia Chestnut and Reina Saco.

Remarks highlighted the national significance of the Lincoln Estates neighborhood. Developed during the Civil Rights movement, the neighborhood became a model for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) turnkey public housing programs for African Americans.

Individuals whose contributions made a major impact to the success of the community—both past and present—were recognized. Those honored were community advocates: Doris Edwards: Thomas Benjamin “T.B.” McPherson; Andrew R. Mickle; and Catherine B. Mickle. Lincoln Estates Developer, Phil Emmer, was also recognized.

Following the 9 a.m. ceremony, attendees walked the 1/3 mile nature loop to view the neighborhood's new playground and adult fitness station.

Funded by the Wild Spaces & Public Places half-cent sales tax, construction of the park costs totaled $369,733.

Click here to view a park map

The Wild Spaces & Public Places sales tax will continue to create, improve and maintain parks and recreational facilities and acquire and improve environmentally-sensitive lands. To sign up for updates, please visit our website.

Gainesville City Commission: Harvey Ward (Mayor), Ed Book, Cynthia Chestnut, Desmon Duncan-Walker, Bryan Eastman, Reina Saco, Casey Willits