John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park stands as a vibrant hub in Dunedin, Florida, a testament to community engagement and urban green space development. This beloved park, known for hosting a variety of events from lively concerts to bustling markets and family movie nights, recently underwent significant enhancements. Driven by the City of Dunedin and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and generously funded by the CRA, these renovations were initiated in early 2021 to modernize the park’s features and improve accessibility for all visitors.
Enhancements to Pioneer Park: A Community-Driven Project
Recognizing the park’s heavy usage and its central role in community life, the City of Dunedin’s Community Redevelopment and Parks and Recreation departments collaborated with consultants Cardno/BDG. Their mission was to conceptualize and implement park improvements that would honor the park’s existing charm while upgrading its functionality. The chosen design thoughtfully mirrors the curvilinear shape of the park’s stage, which had been recently renovated, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. Construction commenced in July 2021 and concluded in late October 2021, culminating in a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 9, 2021.
The renovations brought a host of improvements to John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. These included refined brickwork on the stage steps with subtle inset lighting for safety and ambiance, updated entrance plaques to welcome visitors, and the installation of brick pavers and stained concrete pathways enhancing the park’s walkways. Sitting and knee walls were added, providing both functional seating and architectural interest. New trees and landscaping elements were introduced, enriching the park’s green spaces and contributing to its tranquil atmosphere.
Public Art Unveiled: “Below the Wall” Mosaic by Suzi K. Edwards
A significant highlight of the Pioneer Park renovation is the incorporation of public art. The Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) played a crucial role in this aspect, forming a subcommittee dedicated to overseeing the Public Art project. This subcommittee, composed of ACAC members, neighborhood representatives, arts community members, project planners, and members from the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee (CRAAC), ensured a diverse range of perspectives were considered in the art selection process.
Following Florida’s Sunshine Law and the City’s Public Art Master Plan (PAMP), the subcommittee conducted open and transparent meetings to review proposals from artists. After careful deliberation of seven applications, three semi-finalists were invited to present their concepts. Ultimately, after presentations and further review, the subcommittee endorsed Suzi K. Edwards and her captivating “Below the Wall” theme. This selection was subsequently approved by both the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the CRAAC. The City Commission officially awarded the $18,500 contract to Suzi K. Edwards on October 19, 2021, marking a significant step in bringing this public art vision to life.
Suzi K. Edwards, the artist behind “Below the Wall,” is a nationally recognized mosaic artist with a diverse portfolio of public and private installations across the United States. Her extensive experience, demonstrated through workshops, residencies, and features in numerous publications, made her an ideal choice for this project. Working from her studios in New York and West Palm Beach, Edwards conceived “Below the Wall” specifically for John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park.
The “Below the Wall” mosaic murals, now installed on the newly constructed knee walls, depict a series of engaging Dunedin-centric scenes. Focusing on “the knees down,” the mosaics capture glimpses of local life and activities – a baseball player sliding into base, beachgoers strolling on the sand, and the traditional attire of Scottish dancers, reflecting Dunedin’s Scottish heritage. Each colorful tile in the mosaic was handcrafted, designed, painted, and kiln-fired by Suzi K. Edwards, ensuring a unique and personal touch to the artwork. The surrounding field tiles are a vibrant mix of 1-inch squares, complementing the detailed mosaic panels.
Experience Public Art at John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park
The mosaic public art installation is now complete, enhancing the aesthetic and cultural value of John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. A special artist recognition event was held on March 10th at 3:00 pm to celebrate Suzi K. Edwards’ contribution and the community’s commitment to public art.
We encourage everyone to visit John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park and experience these new additions to Dunedin’s Public Art Collection firsthand. Explore the revitalized park, enjoy its enhanced features, and immerse yourself in the captivating “Below the Wall” mosaic art. To discover more public art installations throughout Dunedin, explore the interactive art map and continue your art exploration journey within the city. John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park is not just a green space; it’s a vibrant, evolving community asset enriched by art and thoughtful development.
