MELBOURNE, Fla. — Melbourne leaders are considering a proposal to revamp Holmes Park into a downtown gathering space connecting the area with the Crane Creek waterfront, with residents and business owners invited to weigh in at a public workshop Sept. 15.
The workshop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Front Street Park.
The proposal would transform the mostly unused 3-acre park into a space with an amphitheater, children’s play area, splash pad and event space, all while preserving the tree canopy.
“The vision for this project is (to) create a true gathering space,” said Melbourne economic development manager Robert McKinzie.
McKinzie said the city wants public feedback on what the park should look like and how it should function.
“To learn from the public, things they want to see in the park, and really how we can better activate the space,” he said.
Part of the new park would be built on land purchased by North American Properties, which would be donated back to the city.
The project is being closely watched by nearby downtown businesses, including The Roots, a breakfast and brunch restaurant owned by Chef Klaus Krause.
Krause, who has owned the restaurant for five years and works there seven days a week, said he would consider expanding hours if the park brings more people downtown.
“The evening hours, possibly, we could extend our hours in the evenings or for special events,” Krause said.
Krause said he has rarely seen people using Holmes Park.
“Years and years I’ve been driving by there and haven’t seen anybody hanging out at the park,” Krause said.
He said the project could bring more business before and after events held at the revamped space.
“Stay open later in the day and cater to that crowd,” Krause said.