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 design team said the plan intentionally uses much of the existing concrete slab to avoid excavating near the trees; fill and grading will make the finished paver surface flush with surrounding green areas and keep the site ADA-accessible with ramps rather than steps. The concept includes a pergola and a central circular paver area intended for small acoustic performances or gatherings; staff said the park is intended as a neighborhood “respite” rather than a large-event venue.

At public hearing, multiple speakers urged changes. Resident Mike Short said he had attended advisory meetings but criticized the level of citizen engagement and urged installing the restroom during Phase 1 rather than deferring it, calling a one-phase, “one-and-done” approach more efficient. Tracy Short, speaking separately, suggested the site could serve dog-owners and recommended considering a fenced, fee-accessible dog area; Parks & Recreation Director Vince Gizzi said dogs on leash would be allowed but that the site was not suitable for an off-leash dog park because fencing and intensive use would damage turf.

Commissioners asked detailed design questions about the footprint, how much of the old slab would be reused, tree impacts and how the restroom location relates to the existing utilities and a nearby well. Staff and the design team said the proposed restroom sits near prior utility stub-outs and just west of a city well site, and that enlarging the restroom would require more excavation near tree roots and higher cost. Staff described the restroom shown in the renderings as a prefabricated unit used elsewhere in the city; finishes would be upgraded to match downtown architecture.

Several commissioners said they supported moving the park forward now but asked staff to study whether the restroom could be sequenced or combined with Phase 1 construction to reduce duplication of mobilization costs. Staff agreed to examine feasibility, engage the architectural review committee on aesthetics and present cost options during the FY26 budget process.

Motion and vote: A motion to proceed with Phase 1 design and to prepare construction documents carried unanimously (maker and seconder noted in the meeting record). The commission also asked staff to evaluate whether a prefabricated restroom could be incorporated into construction or funded in the FY26 budget cycle.

Why this matters: The pocket park is part of the Downtown East End plan to reinvigorate Dunedin’s east downtown. The design prioritizes protection of mature trees on the site and aims to add a small public venue and restrooms that will serve both residents and downtown merchants while minimizing long-term maintenance demands.

Next steps: Staff will finalize design drawings, prepare bid documents and return with cost/bid alternates and any recommended sequencing for the restroom. Construction was described as likely to start within four to six months if schedules and budgets permit, with an October–December target for completion if the project proceeds on the current timetable.