Payne Park NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Payne Park Future Plans community meetings in 2026:  NOT!  Not YET, anyhow.

If you recall, plans were for public meetings for future plans for Payne Park, in 2027 budget, sometime later in 2026.  Because of severe city-wide damages and budget impacts from the 2024 hurricanes, that's going to be delayed.  

In 7/13/26 email, Parks Director Jerry Fogle wrote:  "Unfortunately, nearly all Parks and Recreation Master Plan improvement projects funded by the Penny Surtax have been paused due to the extensive hurricane damage sustained by the City, including damage to numerous parks.  A substantial portion of Penny Surtax funding (millions of dollars) has been allocated for these repairs.  At this time, the only park improvement projects that are proceeding are those supported by grants and/or Park Impact Fees.  Park Impact Fees may only be used for new amenities that increase park capacity; therefore, any repairs to A.B. Smith Park would not be eligible for these funds.

I will contact you, along with other residents who have inquired about improvements to their neighborhood parks once the City has completed all hurricane-related repairs across our park system.

And, associated item:  Vacant US301 Lot by Tennis Center:  At the PREP (Parks Rec & Environmental Protection) advisory board meeting May21/2026, Board Member Watts suggested that that vacant lot (which had been very tentatively considered for future Players Theater building opportunity, but never cemented by contract) at US301 and Laurel Street, be incorporated as part of Payne Park and earmarked for Payne Park Tennis Center expansion of tennis courts and pickleball courts, to be put on future PREP agenda for further discussion. 

However, subsequently, in 7/13/26 email responding to my inquiry, Parks Director Fogle wrote:  "There are currently no plans for the vacant 301 lot.  The Payne Park Tennis Center Team is in the process of developing a plan to repair the irrigation system for the clay courts.  Although this project may not occur in the near future, I would like to ensure we are prepared once funding is secured.  At this time, there are no plans to expand the tennis courts or to add pickleball courts on the vacant 301 lot."   So, the future of that City-owned vacant lot remains in limbo for now.

New cafe La Cruto'n in Payne Park opened Feb 2026.  They said they hope to be open longer hours soon, once fully stocked & staffed, & beer/wine license, & also plan to have live music.  As of July 2026, open hours are Thu-Sun only, 10am-7pm.    see lacruton.com