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Within walking distance of downtown, this scenic green space offers a bright space to play and relax. The park presents an inviting playground, a rugged rock wall, and sweeping shade structures. Picnic tables and grills are available for use. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
The park is the former parade ground and barracks for the East Florida Seminary. A historic marker shares highlights of its interesting history. This park is named after James Henry Roper who founded the first school in Gainesville, Florida; the Gainesville Academy. Roper represented Alachua County as a State Senator from 1856 to 1866 and was an esteemed member of the Board of Education. Donating his school’s building and land to the State of Florida in 1866, Roper became instrumental in the relocation of the East Florida Seminary to Gainesville. He served as the school’s principal for 2 years. As a result of the Buckman Act of 1905, the East Florida Seminary was merged with three other schools which became the University of Florida.
1.50 acres
415 NE 2nd St, Gainesville 32601 View Map
415 NE 2nd St , Gainesville 32601
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Dawn to dusk daily.