Dunedin plans pool replacement, playground upgrades and Phase 2 of Gladys Douglas Preserve
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Summary
City officials announced design work for a new Highlander Park Aquatic Complex (including a 25‑yard competition pool, activity pool, slides and therapy pool funded by a $1M donation), upgrades to Highlander Park playgrounds and plans for Phase 2 at Gladys Douglas Preserve including a pier and kayak launch.
City Manager Jennifer Bramley highlighted several parks and recreation projects at the State of the City, including upgrades to Highlander Park and the Gladys Douglas Preserve.
Bramley said the current Highlander Park pool is “leaking badly and is obsolete” and that a master plan for a new aquatic complex is under design. The planned amenities listed in the presentation include a 25‑yard competition pool, an activity pool with zero‑depth entry, two large slides and a therapy pool. Bramley thanked local donors—naming the Bilheimers—for a $1,000,000 donation toward the therapy pool and said the Kiwanis Club donated $35,000 for playground improvements and a new cushioning surface.
She also reported that four original shade structures at the Highlander playground were replaced and new spray features added; recent additions include new pickleball courts at Eagle Scout Park and a renovated Dunedin Golf Club reopened to public use.
On the Gladys Douglas Preserve, Bramley said Phase 2 is ready to advance and will include a pier, kayak launch, restroom facilities, picnic shelters and an observation platform; staff will bring engineering and design service agreements to the commission in April.
Parks director Vince Gizzi was acknowledged; Bramley noted Gizzi’s last day will be March 4 and thanked him for his service.
