A New Plan for Five Points Park

The Downtown Partnership has submitted a new plan for Five Points Park.

Despite the overwhelming majority of city citizen survey results indicating the park should be designed for passive use with grass and trees, the DTP plan shows large areas of hardscape (brick or concrete?) devoted to "vendor area" with the grass area mostly removed. The submitted plan shows a large fountain as well as restrooms.

Apparently the DTP wants to provide another area in downtown to accommodate street fairs and festivals.

At the March 30 meeting to present the survey results, the following was presented:

Clear Majority Views

• Generally Passive Use -Occasional Events
• Maintain & Increase Green: Grass, Trees…
• Brick Pineapple and 1st with no Curbs
• Remove "Memory Path"

Despite the survey of the people that attended the city sponsored meetings to take public input and present designs based on that input, the DTP chose to present their own design. None of the public respondents that attended the meetings wanted more brick area - other than for walkways across the park. Virtually every respondent indicated that the same or an increased amount of green, grassy area, or flowers was desired.

The DTP has stated that their proposed design was meant to keep the discussion going and to prompt other ideas. Tony Souza, DTP Executive Director has indicated "It is but one example of what could be done with Five Points Park and we would like to have a world class designer engaged to start with the survey results and come up with a plan."

The respondent's preferred design is shown to the left. All the designs presented and discussed can be found here.

Many respondents specifically indicated that only occasional festivals should be held at this park. Instead it should be a relatively quiet, passive, green area.

One block to the east of Five Points Park is the Lemon Mall. This area was specifically designed for festivals and fairs. Downtown doesn’t need two such areas in close proximity. A passive design will bring a much needed green space for all downtown visitors and for those that live there.

Save Our Sarasota does not believe we need more brickscape downtown, especially when it covers green grassy areas enjoyed by everyone.