Community Maritime Park
The Community Maritime Park is a project proposed to occupy the 30-acre Trillium property on Pensacola's waterfront. It was developed by the Community Maritime Park Associates, made up of Vice Admiral Jack Fetterman, UWF President John Cavanaugh and Pensacola Pelicans owner Quint Studer. After the death of Admiral Fetterman, the third principal position was filled by Mayor Emeritus Vince Whibbs. after whose death the position was again filled by Judge Lacey Collier. The plan, refined in public focus groups by urban planner Ray Gindroz, includes a maritime museum and research center, a "multi-use" stadium for the Pelicans, a conference center, university classrooms, a large public lawn and concert shell, mixed-use commercial space and other amenities. On January 18, 2005, the Pensacola City Council approved the plan by an 8-1 vote. Shortly thereafter, the political action group Save Our City, led by Charles Fairchild and dissenting city councilman Marty Donovan, started a petition to force a city referendum on the issue, hoping to overturn the council's decision. After a long and divisive campaign by both sides, the plan will be put before the voters of Pensacola on September 5, 2006.
