As part of a broader effort to guide downtown redevelopment, the City of Fort Pierce partnered with Inspire to create a transformative vision for Marina Square—an underutilized waterfront site with the potential to become a signature public destination. Building on the Downtown Master Plan adopted in 2022, the site is reimagined as a 5.9-acre, vibrant, inclusive, and flexible public space.

Located near the Kilmer Library and City Hall along the Indian River Lagoon, Marina Square sits at the intersection of downtown activity and one of the city’s most valuable natural assets. Community input shaped priorities for programming, waterfront access, environmental stewardship, and year-round activation to ensure the park meets evolving needs while reinforcing Fort Pierce’s coastal identity.

Inspire led a planning and concept design process grounded in site analysis, placemaking best practices, and robust engagement, including stakeholder meetings, public open houses, and online feedback tools. The resulting concept organizes the park around a pedestrian colonnade, a flexible riverfront promenade, shaded gathering spaces, and a network of plazas, lawns, and gardens that support markets, festivals, play, and everyday use.

Ecological performance is embedded throughout with stormwater-responsive landscapes, permeable surfaces, native plantings, and interpretive elements that highlight the Indian River Lagoon’s unique biodiversity. Vendor-ready infrastructure and adaptable event spaces support Fort Pierce’s signature farmers’ markets and festivals, while multigenerational amenities like play areas, shaded seating, wayfinding, restrooms, and accessible drop-off ensure the park serves a wide range of users throughout the year.