Challenge
The City of West Melbourne, Florida, envisioned transforming an 18-acre site into a multi-use community activities park that would become a regional destination for recreation, gathering, and inclusive play. To bring this vision to life, the City needed a design that delivered a safe, inviting, and fully accessible park experience while accommodating a wide range of activity zones.
The new park needed to seamlessly connect with the adjacent Space Coast Field of Dreams, an all-accessible sports complex and playground, maintaining continuity of movement, amenities, and user experience. Every circulation route, activity area, and amenity required full compatibility with current ADA standards, supporting users of all abilities. The project team had to address grading constraints, stormwater retention needs, utility extensions, and drainage improvements to support long-term performance and safety. The design needed to match grant eligibility requirements and available local funding, while demonstrating the value of future phases.
The City sought an approach that balanced ambition, practicality, and affordability, delivering high-impact community amenities while positioning the park for future expansion.
Solution
HR Green provided comprehensive planning, engineering, and design services to advance the City’s vision from concept through bidding and construction. The team created a cohesive, community-focused park layout that emphasized accessibility and environmental stewardship, incorporating:
- Fully ADA-accessible paths, facilities, seating areas, and activity zones
- Coordinated circulation and connectivity with the adjacent Field of Dreams
- Infrastructure upgrades for utilities, drainage, and stormwater management
- Balanced uses, including active recreation, passive gathering spaces, and signature attractions
The final design included a diverse array of amenities such as an accessible boardwalk, timber pier/gazebo, scenic water features, and multiple shaded structures.
The firm strengthened the City’s funding strategy by preparing grant applications, conceptual exhibits, and supporting documents for Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund. This support helped the City secure external funding to advance key elements of the park design.
To keep the project moving efficiently, the team:
- Conducted site investigations, geotechnical evaluations, and environmental assessments
- Facilitated public engagement and stakeholder input sessions
- Prepared complete construction documents and bidding packages
- Coordinated permitting with Florida Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District, and Florida Department of Health.
Benefit
The completed West Melbourne Community Park now stands as a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainably designed destination that elevates quality of life for the Florida community. Through thoughtful planning and community-centered design, the park accommodates residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
The park blends high-energy recreation areas with scenic, restful spaces, creating a balanced environment for families, teens, and seniors. Its amenities, including a 12-feature splash pad, 41,100-square-foot skate park, amphitheater, chess plaza, and pond overlook, make it a standout attraction in Brevard County, enriching the lives of thousands of residents and demonstrating the City’s commitment to long-term community well-being.
