City rededicates, renames Pineapple Park for Paul Thorpe

It was standing room only on July 21 on the corner of Pineapple Avenue and Lemon Avenue. 

Residents, neighborhood advocates and city officials gathered at the former Pineapple Park to rededicate its newly improved mermaid fountain. 

"Gosh this is really something," Nancy Goodheart Matthews said as she greeted guests. Matthews contributed the ceramic art work to the fountain, which now features a male and female side as well as a compass rose.

"I wanted to make a piece of art that is whole," Matthews said. 

The park, which was officially renamed for city leader Paul Thorpe at 10 a.m. on July 22, is best known for the distinctive blue fountain. However, after the falling into disrepair, the landmark became a controversial fixture among residents who rebuffed city suggestions to alter its appearance earlier this year. 

But all controversy was forgotten on Friday morning as speakers ran down the long list of people responsible for the improvements. Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle made sure to thank the City Commission and other city staffers. 

"We couldn't have done this project with them," he said. 

Matthews along with fountain art restorer Danielle Glaysher and construction contractor Raymond Zuniga were also recognized for their efforts during the project. 

Although residents had gathered to celebrate the end of a project, Fogle said this was just the beginning for the park.

"Tomorrow is the renaming ceremony," Fogle said. "I hope we can all show up and thank Mr. Thorpe."

On the morning of July 22, through rain and thunder, residents once again made their way to the corner of Lemon Avenue and Pineapple Avenue to honor the contributions of Paul Thorpe. 

Thorpe, who has earned the unofficial title Mr. Downtown, was integral in the revitalization of Sarasota's downtown area. He was a founding member of the Downtown Sarasota Alliance and helped organized landmark downtown events like the New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop, the Fourth of July Fireworks and the Sarasota Farmers Market. 

City officials and friends of Thorpe huddled under tents and umbrellas, applauding Thorpe as he made his way to the podium. The Pennsylvania State University fight song played over the loud speakers.

"We all know Paul is a fighter," organizer Danny Bilyeu said. 

The ceremony was brief, but the gesture was lasting. For those in attendance,  Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park is more than a 6,600-square-foot parcel — it's a legacy honored. 

Bilyeu said he had gotten a lot of calls that morning from people wondering if they would continue with the ceremony despite the weather. He choked back tears as he looked at the audience that had gathered to honor Thorpe. 

"I'm glad we did," he said. 

This story has been updated from its previous version.