Leon County Breaks Ground on Improvements to Apalachee Regional Park

County Breaks Ground on Improvements to Apalachee Regional Park

On Friday, Leon County broke ground on $3 million of improvements to the County's Apalachee Regional Park. The project includes a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility with restrooms, multiuse stage, sidewalks, wildlife viewing areas, native species landscaping, and a permanent finish line structure.

"These additions to the Apalachee Regional Park will put us in a position to host even bigger cross- country races that help drive our local tourism economy," said Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge. "All of these improvements will be great for visitors and residents alike, and I can't wait to be one of the first out here on the trails when construction wraps up later this year."

Building upon the County’s commitment to the environment, economy, quality of life and fiscal stewardship, the former landfill now serves as the premier cross-country running facility in the nation.

"Like with any project this big and this important, we heard from area residents and other local leaders," said Leon County District 5 Commissioner Kristin Dozier. "What we're starting here today includes their feedback and comments and is also only the beginning. The plans for Apalachee Regional Park over the next five years include so many different amenities and attractions that visitors will come from all around not just for our sports tourism, but to spend the day at this world-class park."

Since opening in 2009, Apalachee Regional Park has hosted over 20 regional, state and national cross-country championships, bringing tens of thousands of athletes and millions of dollars in economic impact to Leon County.

"Our dedicated County Tourism and Parks and Recreation teams have created a crown jewel that cross-country teams from across the nation can't get enough of," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "But we couldn't do all this alone--thank you to Coach Bob Braman with Florida State University and Brian Corbin with Gulf Winds Track Club, and the many other partners who make our park what it is. We are looking forward to even more success in the years ahead!"

During construction, the cross-county course will be closed to the public while the football and soccer fields will remain open on normal operating hours. The cross-country course is expected to reopen to the public in late 2020.

"Hard to believe that was once a wooded pasture in 2008 has become the nation's premier cross-country facility," said Kerri Post, Director of Leon County Division of Tourism. "The County's investment in the Apalachee Regional Park showcases the beauty of our region and the real economic force of sports tourism. And I have to say, we're just at the starting line for all Apalachee Regional Park has to offer."

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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tourism is charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County nationally as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. Named as one of Southern Living’s top 10 Cities of the South, in 2019, Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 2.4 million visitors who contributed $1.04 billion in economic impact and accounts for more than 16,150 people employed in our community in the tourism & hospitality industry. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Visit_Tally, #iHeartTally, #Trailahassee.