Fred Cone Park

Fred Cone Park is a 152.48-acre urban park located in Gainesville, Florida. It is part of the city's Eastside Community Center and serves as a significant recreational space for the local community. The park is named after Fred P. Cone, who served as the 27th governor of Florida.

One of the park's most notable features is its eight-lane, 440-meter rubberized track, which is considered the premier track in Gainesville. The track's interior field is equipped for various athletic events, including pole vault, shot put, high jump, and long jump. This facility makes Fred Cone Park an important venue for track and field activities in the area.

In addition to the track, the park offers a multi-purpose field that can be used for various sports and activities. The park also includes two basketball courts, providing further options for sports enthusiasts. For those seeking more passive recreation, Fred Cone Park features picnic areas with grills and a pavilion, making it suitable for family outings and community gatherings.

Fred Cone Park is also home to one of Gainesville's "edible groves," where visitors can pick and enjoy fruits such as mulberries, peaches, and loquats. This feature adds an educational and interactive element to the park experience.

The park houses a branch of the Alachua County Library District, known as the Cone Park Branch, which opened in November 2011. This integration of educational resources within the recreational space enhances the park's value to the community.

Over the years, Fred Cone Park has undergone several improvements and renovations. These include the addition of lighting for extended hours of use, resurfacing of the track, installation of shade sails for the bleachers, and upgrades to the park's drainage system. These enhancements have been funded in part by local initiatives such as the Wild Spaces and Public Places half-cent sales tax.