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City, school board begin talks on rebuilding Citizens Field and MLK campus
Summary
City staff, the Alachua County School Board and consultants presented site plans and cost ranges for a revamp of the 36‑acre Citizens Field / MLK campus and the General Policy Committee directed staff to explore partnership, revenue and mixed‑use options with the school district.
City commissioners, the Alachua County School Board and consultants on Wednesday began formal negotiations over the future of the roughly 36‑acre Citizens Field / MLK campus, directing staff to explore partnership and funding options while leaving final decisions for later public processes.
Consultants from NV5 summarized a months‑long study of the entire campus and presented two concept plans that differ mainly by phasing and footprint. NV5 said the study will produce a preliminary site plan in June, subject to further decisions and stakeholder input. The consultant also flagged the Dwight Hunter pool and the MLK community center as facilities at the end of their useful life that must be part of any comprehensive plan.
The matter matters because Citizens Field anchors high‑school athletics and neighborhood uses in East Gainesville and sits on land city officials called a long‑term civic asset. Commissioners and school board members said modernizing the stadium, pool and community facilities could support youth sports, neighborhood recreation and broader economic…
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