Weaver Park Celebrates Emotional Grand Opening
J.C. Weaver honored in ceremony at Dunedin's newest water-side jewel.
Hundreds turned out March 27 for the grand opening of they city’s newest waterfront jewel, J.C. Weaver Park.
The park, at 1249 Bayshore Blvd., has about 400 feet of waterfront property overlooking St. Joseph Sound. A pier extends just more than 720 feet into the water, where a viewer can see the historical western entrance of the town and Caledesi and Honeymoon Islands. The other side of the park borders Pinellas Trail and has a small parking area, bicycle racks and picnic tables.
“I’ll never forget the night this offer was made,” said Josiah Cephas Weaver, the park’s namesake, in a speech to the crowd. Weaver sold the property to the city in 2008. It opened on Dec. 30.
“[People said] ‘Josie, don’t give up your home.’ I said, ‘If I’m goin’, I’m goin’ all the way … for the people of Dunedin’.”
Maggy Graham
5:36 pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
That is a very emotional speech. So that is who J.C. Weaver is. What a fine man you are for sharing your property like this so everyone could have a park. I'm so glad to have a face with the name now. I used to drive by that land daily, and think, "Oh I hope this doesn't get developed." I'd see all the beautiful trees, and that dock, and think how wonderful it would be if the people who owned it were benevolent and enlightened. And when I found it had been made into a park, my happiness with the human race got a huge boost. Mr. Weaver, bless you. You have made a huge difference. You didn't have to. But it was in your heart and now it is part of the soul of the community.