A Vision for the Future: Marina Square
In November 2022, the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) Board took a major step toward revitalizing the downtown area by adopting the Downtown Master Plan. This strategic plan aims to enhance Fort Pierce’s core by building on its greatest assets and creating stronger connections between people, places, and experiences, all while honoring the city’s history and future potential.
One of the plan’s first major initiatives is Phase 1: the transformation of Marina Square. The goal is to develop a well-designed public space that can accommodate a variety of uses, from concerts and farmers markets to family outings and community events. Marina Square will be adaptable, functional, and designed to serve the evolving needs of downtown Fort Pierce.
After months of preparation, community engagement, and stakeholder interviews, the 5.9-acre Marina Square Conceptual Design is now ready.
The key takeaways from the engagement process were:
- Markets and events are the cornerstone of Marina Square
- There is a strong desire for a flexible, multigenerational park
- Infrastructure should support active use, not just form
- The park should strengthen its natural and educational identity
- Parking remains a critical need
The intent of the design is to activate the waterfront and Indian River Drive, create flexible spaces that connect people to the marina, and strengthen ties between downtown businesses and the riverfront.
Imagine Fort Pierce’s waterfront as the city’s commons: open lawns for picnics, a plaza alive with markets and music, and shady groves for quiet reflection. Marina Square brings all of this together, anchored by a riverfront promenade that links the heartbeat of downtown to the beauty of the Indian River.
Marina Square Project Update
Following the September 9, 2025 FPRA meeting and coordination with City staff, including the Fort Pierce City Marina, it was recommended that the project team further evaluate parking, access, and stakeholder coordination to ensure a cohesive and functional design for both Downtown and the greater Marina Square area. In response, a Change Order was approved to expand the consultant’s scope of work to address these evolving needs.
The expanded scope includes enhanced engagement with key stakeholders such as the City Marina, downtown businesses, Fort Pierce Youth Council, Main Street Fort Pierce, the Fort Pierce Farmers’ Market, and the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society. The consultant is conducting a comprehensive parking and access analysis, building upon previous City studies to evaluate short- and long-term parking solutions, potential structured and surface parking opportunities, and improved circulation and walkability throughout the area.
Throughout this project the consultant has and continues to engage with downtown business owners, City and Marina staff, St. Lucie County Library representatives, and event organizers. These discussions are centered on the long-term vision for Marina Square, with particular emphasis on parking operations, accessibility, and connectivity. Additionally, consultants gathered input from parents outside the library to better understand park usage and identify ways to enhance family-friendly amenities and access.
The consultants recently presented their conceptual parking designs, refined parking strategy, proposed emergency and service access routes, and enhanced waterfront connectivity improvements to the Parking Committee and received valuable feedback. This input will be incorporated into the updated Marina Square Conceptual Design.
These continued efforts are helping to ensure that the final Marina Square Conceptual Design is well-integrated, functional, and supportive of long-term redevelopment and community use.