On May 29, DSCA accepted a Grassroots/Non-profit Initiative Award from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association for the Overtown Square Pocket Park project in the Rosemary District.

The award recognizes a long-running community effort that began with DSCA’s early work in 2015 to identify the need for more public green space in the rapidly growing Rosemary District. DSCA members walked the neighborhood, reviewed city planning documents, photographed possible sites, and developed an initial citizen-led Pocket Parks in Rosemary District proposal. That proposal was presented to the City’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Board in 2015 and later submitted to the City Commission in 2016.

As the effort moved forward, the Rosemary District Association took a major leadership role in expanding neighborhood participation, supporting fundraising, and working with the City and other partners to help move the project from concept to reality. The City of Sarasota, RDA, Friends of Rosemary Park, DreamLarge, Kimley-Horn, RADD, residents, donors, and volunteers all contributed to the final result.

Completed in 2024, Overtown Square now provides seating, landscaping, pedestrian connections, and a welcoming public gathering space in one of downtown’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. 

The project is a reminder that neighborhood organizations can help create real and lasting public improvements. It also shows the value of persistence, private support, and constructive cooperation with City government.