Years: 2024
Two hundred years since its founding, Tallahassee stands at the edge of a new century. In honor of the capital city’s 200th anniversary, the 2024 KCCI Catalyst Tally 200 volunteer team envisioned and designed Bicentennial Square Park, which the community is calling Bicentennial Square. The KCCI volunteer team aims to transform the area located downtown next to City Hall along Jefferson Street into a space for connection that beckons people to gather and connect.
After 10 months of research, planning and design work led by the KCCI Community Catalyst team at the October downtown CRA Board meeting this park project received funding from the downtown CRA. Complete build-out of Bicentennial Square will span several years. Following KCCI’s recommended timeline, placemaking improvements can soon be started in the area. As a result of the volunteer team’s planning efforts and collaboration with partners – lighting, artistic and safety improvements will occur by the end of 2024.
KCCI is proud to be a part of this community of doers, dreamers and creators. Community input is at the core of KCCI and will help to ensure the park is appreciated by all.
KCCI’s team created a Bicentennial Square Vision Plan, which will guide the development of this new park space. Click here to read the report. KCCI Vision Plan – Bicentennial Square (1) (1)
The Process
Community Input
In Spring 2024, the Tally 200 team invited the public to participate in a Community Input Survey from April to May 2024. Survey feedback coupled with one-on-one and group stakeholder conversations guided the park vision plan in representing the unique spirit of Tallahassee. For more information about the community input process, click here to read the update.
The Design
Balancing Desires with Realities
The volunteer design team worked with team members from five different city departments to propose design concepts that capture the community’s desires balanced with the construction realities and conservative budgets. The volunteer Catalysts have worked together with the public, the American Institute of Architects (AIA Tallahassee), the Office of Mayor John Dailey and other community stakeholders to create a vision plan for the new park in the spirit of the Tallahassee Bicentennial.
Drawing on research from Brookings Institution, the team recognizes the transformative power of public spaces. Investing in the creation of a welcoming and culturally rich environment catalyzes economic growth and creates a sense of belonging. The Bicentennial Square park feature innovative design features that engage downtown visitors and bring more foot traffic to the city center. Using smart design features such as creative lighting the proposed park addresses safety issues in the current space.
Together, we can redefine our city center as a place where entrepreneurs thrive and connections are made. Join us in shaping the future of Tallahassee — one vibrant public space at a time.
The Outcomes
Build-out of Bicentennial Square
The KCCI team’s vision and concept for the park was unanimously approved by the CRA Board, which is made up of the City Commission, at the August 22 meeting.
After continuing community conversations and preparing project specifics, KCCI returned to the CRA board on October 17 with an update and funding request. Phases 1 and 2 of the phased project approach were also unanimously approved by the CRA Board.
Complete build-out of Bicentennial Square will span several years. Following KCCI’s recommended timeline, placemaking improvements can soon be started in the area. As a result of the volunteer team’s planning efforts and collaboration with partners – lighting, artistic and safety improvements will occur by the end of 2024.
Thank you to KCCI Sponsors for making this Community Catalyst team possible. Appreciation also goes to community partners for their support, and residents who completed our survey and continue to share input about the park, for helping to make this project successful.
The Team
Volunteer Community Catalyst Team
The 2024 KCCI Community Catalysts leading this project include: Elizabeth Barron (Ausley McMullen), Jan Brown (Retired), Rachel Corry (Moore), Pam Flores (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), Jane Johnson (Fla Association of Centers for Independent Living), Verlonda Johnson (Preeminence Contracting and Construction), Jonathan Klepper (Florida Center for Reading Research), Maxim D. Nasab (Apexx Architecture), Matthew Persinger (Architects Lewis + Whitlock), Hadley Peterson (Kimley-Horn and Associates), Bianca Rhoades (Hancock Whitney Bank), Rueben Stokes (Rueben Stokes DEIB Advisory Services, a BEMSTAR Company), Alexandra Valdes (Apalachee Regional Planning Council), Reenee Williams (CareerSource Capital Region).
