DUNEDIN, Fla -- The City of Dunedin is considering what to do with the 5.5 acres of green space at Stirling Park and is now seeking community input on the project.

The park, which includes a driving range and 18 hole golf course, was purchased by the city in 2003. A management company took over the operation of its golf entities in 2010.  That contract expired in 2020 and the city decided operating the golf course itself would  be too costly.

“Our recommendation to the city commission was to replace it with a public park but, keep the driving range because we knew this would be a revenue generator for us and a wonderful recreational activity,” said Dunedin’s Parks and Recreation Director Vince Gizzi.

Now, the city is in the process of deciding what to do with the 5.5 acres designated for the park. 

“The area has walking trails, as we’re walking on now and people do come out and use the trails,” Gizzi said.

Members of the public have already suggested upgrades to those trails. Gizzi says he’s also gotten feedback about a potential dog park and even space for a sport that has been growing in popularity through out the region. 

“A lot of people in the community are looking for pickle ball courts that are dedicated to just pickle ball,” Gizzi said.

Now, the department is looking for more public input.  Gizzi hosted a public input meeting Wednesday night at the Hale Community Center on Douglas Avenue.

If you were unable to attend, there is a link to the presentation, as well as an online survey, available on the city’s website.  Feedback will be accepted for the next two weeks. Gizzi said his department would like to present the city commission with a proposal in February.