Theatre Park Formally Opens with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

ALACHUA – Theatre Park officially opened Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the City of Alachua and the Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), marking the completion of the park’s long-awaited downtown reconstruction.

City commissioners, CRA representatives, and community partners gathered at 9 a.m. at the park site, located at 14900 Main Street, to celebrate the transformation of what was once an aging and flood-prone space into a redesigned centerpiece for public events and performances.

The ceremony served as the formal dedication of the renovated park, which city leaders describe as a key investment in the continued revitalization of historic downtown Alachua.

“This is a place where stories will be played and the community will gather,” organizers noted, echoing the theme of the park’s reopening.

Theatre Park has long held a central location along Main Street, but in recent years its deteriorating condition limited its use for public programming. The city’s reconstruction effort addressed drainage and structural concerns while preserving the park’s historic character.

The renovated space now features restored brickwork, new clay-fired pavers, enhanced lighting, Florida-friendly landscaping, and a permanent stage area designed to support performances, small concerts, theatre groups, and seasonal celebrations.

Funding for the improvements included substantial support from the Alachua CRA and outside grant assistance, including the $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant awarded in 2025.

Residents first experienced the rebuilt park during the city’s Dec. 5 Christmas on Main celebration, when Theatre Park reopened to the public in a festive debut filled with lights, decorations and live entertainment.

Thursday’s ribbon cutting marked the park’s official opening and signaled its readiness to serve as a year-round gathering space for the community.

City officials said the new performance-oriented design will strengthen downtown’s ability to host events without relying on temporary infrastructure.

Located just steps from other downtown landmarks, Theatre Park is expected to play a central role in future community programming and economic activity along Main Street.

Local leaders expressed optimism that the renovated venue will support everything from cultural events to civic celebrations, further reinforcing downtown Alachua as a hub for residents and visitors alike.

With the ribbon officially cut, Theatre Park now begins its next chapter — not only as a restored public space, but as a renewed stage for community life in the heart of the city.

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