Dunedin commission approves pocket-park design for former City Hall; public restroom deferred to next budget

The Dunedin City Commission on Feb. 6 approved Phase 1 design concepts for a pocket park at the former City Hall site, directing staff to finish design and prepare bid documents with construction targeted for later this year. The commission voted unanimously to move the project into full design and procurement.

City economic development director Bob Ironsmith presented renderings and described steps already completed: demolition of the obsolete building, asbestos abatement and a tree survey. Landscape architect Jonathan Toner and a landscape architect/arborist identified in the presentation as Brigitte (Burgett) walked commissioners through the concept, which preserves an existing large live oak, adds shade and seating, uses the city’s selected pavers and reserves room for a future prefabricated restroom. Ironsmith described Phase 1 construction costs as “just sub $400,000,” and said a permanent restroom would likely cost in the $500,000–$600,000 range and was being budgeted in a later cycle (FY26).

The d…