The City of Sanford will break ground on a $5.3 million project at Fort Mellon Park that will add a new amphitheater and enhance the surrounding landscape, including improvements to Lake Carola.
The six-month project is funded through a partnership between the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of Sanford. Officials say the investment will create a modern event space while strengthening the park’s role as a gathering place for the community.
S.A. Casey Construction will lead the project, which includes building a state-of-the-art amphitheater designed to host a wide range of community events. The venue will feature an advanced audio-visual system and will connect with the park’s existing promenade and serpentine walk, helping integrate the new space with the park’s historic layout.
The amphitheater will be located near the former site of Fort Mellon, a U.S. Army fortress established in 1836. City leaders say the design will honor the area’s history while creating a flexible space for future generations.
Additional improvements will focus on the area around Lake Carola, west of the amphitheater. Plans include new landscaping, hardscape features and shoreline enhancements to improve pedestrian access and the overall park environment.