City closes park amid safety concerns

Alan Hitchcock Park has been closed since March 14, shortly after City of Alachua officials learned of structural concerns.  The park has been a popular spot on Alachua’s Main Street for the last decade.  In May 2009, the City renamed the park from Old Theatre Park to Alan Hitchcock Park in honor of the longtime area businessman.

Structural concerns at the site are apparently focused on loose bricks in the archways, which remain from the original building.  Temporary scaffolding has been installed at the entry to the park so pedestrian traffic may continue along the sidewalk along the park.  City officials do not know when repairs to the structure will begin or end.