The Gentleman’s Club has been a renowned local spot for years- a space that no one was using that skaters, local artists, and other community members have worked together to beautify and make a community asset over the years.

More recently, that community has crowdfunded resources to construct skatepark-quality concrete fixtures. These high-quality fixtures are designed and constructed by those community members and innumerable people have contributed to the space in so many ways- helping to keep it clean and safe, creating incredible artwork there, hauling and pouring concrete, ensuring that the space aligns with community values of respect and inclusiveness. It’s a flourishing oasis for anyone who wants to visit and enjoy, a place where anyone is welcome.

Members of the Gentleman’s Club community have also worked to be good neighbors to surrounding homes and businesses. When neighbors complained about sound coming from the space, community members worked with those neighbors to identify a solution and then, that same week, installed sound proofing in the space. We have been and continue to be open and responsive to suggestions on how to be better neighbors.

The Gentleman’s Club represents what is most beautiful about Gainesville, drawing upon a strong sense of community that is inclusive, prioritizes respect, and celebrates the contributions of anyone who shares that space. It is loved by so many people of varying ages and backgrounds, all of whom make up this self-sustaining and vibrant community. When skate amenities were lacking on that part of town, this community rallied its resources to co-create something beautiful.

We understand that there are obstacles to continued use of this space that have been presented by both the owner of the lot and the City of Gainesville. We have been threatened with having the space demolished.  We would like to formally request that the City of Gainesville and landowner work with community members to try to find a way to save the Gentleman’s Club.

Please give us the opportunity to protect this space and to protect an asset to Gainesville culture.