>> CRA-Community Redevelopment Agency >> Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier

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 Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier

The City of Pensacola’s newest public park
 
This 2+ acre waterfront park located at the southern terminus of Palafox Street in downtown features generous lawns, onsite parking with drive around, and approximately 1,800 lineal feet of waterfront accessibility (including 600 lineal feet at the breakwater. Approximately 1,200 lineal feet of the waterfront is available for fishing.).
 
Pensacola Waterfront Development Plan 2000 adopted by City Council included the creation of a new waterfront park on the site of the former Bayfront Auditorium (demolished July 2005) to provide additional public waterfront access and an amenity to City.
 
Based on a public input process, several important activities from the former auditorium area are retained in the park, including the tradition of driving around the site, convenient parking for visitors, and the ability to fish and promenade around the perimeter of site that touches Pensacola Bay.
 
Size of the Park: Approximately 100,000 square feet (over 2 acres)
Park Name: June 22, 2006 the Pensacola City Council named the new park for Don Tristan de Luna, the Spanish explorer who established Pensacola in 1559 as the first European settlement in the United States.
Substantially Completed: January 2007
Official Dedication:  November 16, 2007
Project Contractor: Sharpe, Inc.
Demolition of Bayfront Auditorium: July 2005
 
Park Features
 
Promenade / Waterfront Access
·         All of the perimeter is open to the public.
·         1,800 lineal feet of promenade, including 600 Lineal feet at the breakwater, most sections 15 feet or more wide.
·         Fishing is permitted at the main promenade (approximately 1,200 lineal feet).
·         Promenade is surrounded by low seat-walls and benches and features reinforced paving to better resist damage during storm surges.
·         Recessed walkway lighting is installed in the sitting wall along promenade. Special promenade lighting allows unhindered views at night.
·         Street lighting is historic post-mounted lights with ‘dark sky’ feature to reduce light pollution.
 
Fountain Courtyard
·         Unique fountain at center of the park features interactive water jets for children to enjoy (fountain area features surrounding seat wall for supervision of children).
·         Commemorative Plaques note the dedication of the new park as well as the original dedication of the former Municipal Auditorium.
 
Grand Lawns
·         Elevated and gentle sloping lawns provide uninterrupted vistas of the bay and additional protection from storm surge. Elevation also allows uninterrupted view over railings.
 
Event flexibility
·         Removable bollards are available for use at the northern drive entrance to the park to restrict vehicles during special public events. Vehicles approaching from either Palafox or Jefferson Streets (upon completion of the adjacent bulkhead in early 2008) will be able to drive by, dropping off passengers if necessary.
·         Large events with staging or focal point may orient facing north (adjacent to fountain courtyard) or south (adjacent to southern promenade).
·         Power and water utilities are available throughout park for special events.
·         Conduit was installed allowing for the future inclusion of sound wiring.
 
Southwest terrace feature (“Sunset Terrace”)
·         Terrace feature on south west corner provides an ideal venue for small gatherings and a grand view of sunset over PensacolaBay.
 
Wireless internet access
·         Planned
 
Future opportunities
·         Space and utilities have were provided for a future small building on the north east corner of the park to house public restrooms and a food vendor. Design of that building now underway with anticipated completion by Summer 2008.
·         Small gazebos or shelters may be erected in the future along the outer circumference of the drive.
·         Space has been identified for a significant monument or additional fountain that may be erected in the future at the entrance to the park.
 
Capacity Estimates:

 
Approximate Area
Approximate Capacity*
Entire Park Site
100,000 s.f.
5,000 people
Inner Lawn
8,500 s.f.
850 people
Inner Lawn and Drive
28,400 s.f.
1,500 people
All Lawns and Drive South of the Fountain Courtyard
44,000 s.f.
2,500 people
Sunset Terrace and Promenade
3,300 s.f.
300 people
Sunset Terrace, Promenade and adjacent Lawns
7,300 s.f.
500 people
*based on 10-20 gross s.f. per person
 
 

 
 
Parking Estimates (distance totals are cumulative):

 
On site/new immediately adjacent
1,000 ft.
1,500 ft.
2,200 ft.
Public (24 hours a day / 7 day a week)
40*
270
310
400
Public (6 p.m. - 6 a.m., M-F, and all weekend) **
0
430
540
596
Dedicated Public Handicapped (additional spaces may be designated during events)
4
13
17
20
Private/Leased (may be available to public after hours/weekends)
12*
115
190
721
*may be limited during large public events in the park
**based on existing lease agreement