FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 28, 2018
Addition to Salinas Park is Purchased
~Waterfront
park on Cape San Blas is the fifth planned park in Panhandle to be created using Deepwater Horizon funds~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and The Trust for Public Land
today announced that The Trust for Public Land has purchased the land for the
next public park enhancement project on Cape San Blas in Gulf County. The land,
for which is planned several new park features, is the fifth park project in
the Florida Panhandle as part of the Florida Coastal Access Project and using Phase
V Early Restoration Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) funding from the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The Florida Coastal Access Project will enhance public
access to the Gulf Coast and its coastal natural resources and increase recreational
opportunities for all Panhandle residents. DEP is partnering with The Trust for Public Land; Gulf,
Escambia and Franklin counties; and the cities of Lynn Haven and Destin to
create the five parks.
Construction on a park in Franklin County is already
underway, with those in Escambia County and Destin to commence
shortly. DEP and TPL anticipate that the construction at the Salinas Park addition
will commence later in 2018.
Total NRDA Phase V
Restoration Funding for the Florida Coastal Access Project five parks is
approximately $45 million, including $3.2 million for the improvement of Salinas
Park Addition. For the other four projects, The Trust for Public Land used NRDA
Phase V monies for park property acquisition and/or park amenities such as parking and restroom facilities, boardwalks, trails and paddle-craft launches,
including at the Salinas Park addition.
Once completed, all five
improved parks will be donated to the respective local government. Agreements between
DEP and the receiving local
government include funding to cover 10-year budgets for operation and
maintenance of each park.
“DEP is proud
to partner with the Trust for Public Land and Gulf County on the Salinas Park
Addition Project,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Secretary Noah Valenstein. “This project will protect and greatly enhance the
public’s access and enjoyment of this area’s renowned coastal resources.”
“Gulf County has been concerned about providing public
access to our bays and beaches, and NRDA’s Florida Coastal Access project provided
money to acquire over 7 acres of St Joe Bay frontage and develop a park,”
stated Phil McCroan, Gulf County commissioner. “This strategic acquisition will
guarantee Gulf County residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy
some of the best Gulf County has to offer.”
The Salinas Park
Addition will add seven natural acres with nearly 1,000 feet fronting the St.
Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve, to the existing adjacent Salinas Park. Planned
park amenities on the property include a tree-top boardwalk with platforms for
viewing both the bay and Gulf of Mexico, trailhead rest stops serving the
adjacent 8- mile paved Loggerhead Run Bike Path and a nature path connection to
the adjacent park. Moreover, NRDA funding will upgrade the existing bayside
playground and two pickleball courts to be constructed on the Gulf side of the
existing Salinas Park property. Education kiosks will inform visitors of the
natural and cultural resources found on the property.
“We are thrilled to be a part of conserving this pristine
tract of land for the public benefit,” said Johnny T. Patronis, who sold the
tract. “Our family has lived in this area for generations, and we’re glad this
property will be enjoyed by generations to come."
“This additional
property has been fallow for decades and offers a beautiful mix of mature
palms, magnolias and oaks within which the elevated boardwalk will provide the
visitor unparalleled views of both the Bay and Gulf,” said Trust for Public
Land senior project manager Doug Hattaway. “We’re grateful for the vision and
partnership of DEP and Gulf County leaders and citizen advocates, without whom
this inspirational community park could not be created.”
About The Trust for
Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land
for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions
of people live near a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and
millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public
Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org.
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