A conceptual master plan for Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine would transform the largely event-oriented lawn into a year-round, family-oriented park with more shade, recreational courts and capacity for large events, consultants told the Community Redevelopment Agency.

Jeremy Marcus of Marcus Latimer & Halbach (presenting as the Francis Field consultant team) said the design aims to balance daily recreational use with the field’s role as the county’s primary event site. “The real goal…is that I think it should be one of the best spaces in a historic downtown,” Marcus said, citing models such as Forsyth Park in Savannah and Boston Common as inspiration for mix of daily use and event infrastructure.

Key concept elements include a refurbished event lawn with surrounding pathways and extensive tree canopy to provide shade; resurfaced and reconfigured courts near the Keterlinas gym for basketball, pickleball or other courts; a flexible stage system that would remain in place most of the year but be removable for large events; and locations for family attractions such as a carousel or other “iconic” feature. Marcus emphasized the plan retains capacity for major events (including the county’s Sing Out Loud festival) by showing overlay tests of the largest stage and tent footprints.

The plan also identifies Francis Field as a possible area to add substantial underground stormwater capacity and to host a designated sandbag operation location near West Castillo Drive. “There is a tremendous amount of adding additional capacity within the confines of Francis Field,” Marcus said, noting that some areas are less archaeologically sensitive.

Commissioners discussed program priorities and operations: several expressed skepticism about a Ferris wheel, with some preferring a carousel as more practical to maintain and to tie to visitor services and restrooms. Commissioners also asked about restroom capacity and community access to courts; Marcus and staff said parking, restroom improvements and community coordination (including with the school for court access) will be part of detailed design.

Marcus said next steps are a public workshop anticipated in early 2026 and an illustrative master plan update after collecting community feedback. No formal action was taken at the meeting.