Leon County Celebrates Grand Opening of Okeeheepkee Prairie Park

Leon County Celebrates Grand Opening of Okeeheepkee Prairie Park

 

Leon County Government celebrated the grand opening of Okeeheepkee Prairie Park this morning, located at 1294 Fuller Road. A beautiful day was the backdrop for residents and members of the community in attendance, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

 

“This is a great day for the citizens of Northwest Leon County,” said Vice Chairman and District 3 Commissioner John Dailey. “I couldn’t be more excited about this park and what it will do to bring people together in this part of the community.”

 

Located just north of the I-10 / Monroe St. interchange on the southern edge of Lake Jackson, the 26-acre park offers beautiful boardwalks that take visitors to scenic overlooks and bird-watching spots. Also, Okeeheepkee features ADA access for the path along the pond, which is a serene half-mile walking trail; a sidewalk along the frontage of Fuller Road; a covered picnic table area; an information kiosk to keep the community informed of new and exciting events; as well as new and improved landscaping.

 

“This project is a great example of creating a place for people to connect with each other and nature.” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long.

 

Land for Okeeheepkee Prairie Park was purchased in 1999 through intergovernmental funding partnerships with Northwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Communities Trust (FCT), a grant program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The park’s name means “disappearing waters.” The park’s name means “disappearing waters.”

 

“The grand opening of Okeeheepkee Prairie Park represents the purpose of Florida Communities Trust, to assist communities in protecting important natural resources and providing recreational opportunities,” said DEP Deputy Secretary and FCT Chair Gary Clark. “We are proud to partner with Leon County to provide this new park that residents and visitors alike will enjoy for years to come.”

 

For more information, contact Leigh Davis, Director of Parks and Recreation at (850) 606-1470 / DavisLe@LeonCountyFL.gov or Celia Mancini, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov .

 

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