I believe such a place is not allowed under the current LDC. But do you think that maybe, just maybe, such a recreational facility would be a good thing to have in sowal?
Replies
51
Beach Fanatic
Eden State Gardens Pavilion in Pt. Washington area of South Walton is another example of a building that would work well with a putting park. This pavilion makes the Friends of Eden a ton of money renting out for weddings and special events. Nice and natural. I think they have the heaters worked out for those chilly days in winter. This stays booked.
Picture of Pavillion at Eden State Gardens. Event was opening ceremony hosted by The Friends of Eden a few years ago. Beautiful natural surroundings. In a number of places in South Walton, this type of building would work well with a putting area and other appropriate playground equipment, imho.
Picture of Pavillion at Eden State Gardens. Event was opening ceremony hosted by The Friends of Eden a few years ago. Beautiful natural surroundings. In a number of places in South Walton, this type of building would work well with a putting area and other appropriate playground equipment, imho.
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Meow
I LOVE gw's idea for Nature Walk! putt putt, a community pool and picnic areas...and more! 
SoWal Expert
I'm beginning to wonder if WaterSound's Puttering Park is illegal based on the law shown by wrobert above. It certainly wouldn't qualify as a private golf course. Brings to question a Par 3 course. I'm guessing that would be a public or private golf course, but what defines "minature," when referring to golf courses?
Beach Fanatic
Helen McCall Park has a Batting cage!
Beach FanaticAuthor
Helen McCall Park has a Batting cage!
On 30-A it has to be on the lot contiguous to 30-A. On 98 it has to be more than 400' from the edge of pavement.
Beach Fanatic
I'm beginning to wonder if WaterSound's Puttering Park is illegal based on the law shown by wrobert above. It certainly wouldn't qualify as a private golf course. Brings to question a Par 3 course. I'm guessing that would be a public or private golf course, but what defines "minature," when referring to golf courses?
Somewhere up there in regulation land, I think there was a distance requirement that it couldn't be within 400 feet of the curb, whether this applies to this park or not, I have no idea. I would not classify it as "Miniature Golf" anyway. The WaterSound Puttering Park is within an interior block of the resort with several streets and houses between it and 30A. I haven't measured.
Beach Fanatic
Maybe we coulud put a putt-putt in the WalMart.
SoWal Expert
I'm not SB, but I know lots of young year round families that would love a community pool; and the former Nature Walk area would be perfect for a community center and pool...and one could probably even "hide" a putt putt course back there...and make it fit the natural look of the area...it could be done with taste.
I can't remember them all right now, but it includes a community pool w/ a swim/dive team, community college branch w/ classes geared towards older folks (basic car repair, languages etc.), public tennis & basketball courts, free health clinic, 20+ vendor farmer's market, and a movie theatre.
Some of which are already in the works.
I agree with you two- I am more concerned with getting "real community" stuff like the pool, tennis courts, performing arts facility, more and improved football, soccer, and baseball fields, a movie theater that shows movies other than blockbusters (let that stay in Destin and PCB), improved public marina facilities that could be the home of sailing and paddling clubs...I don't think the majority of SoWal tourists come here jonesing for putt putt.:roll:
Beach Fanatic
I agree with you. Putt-putt is not very high on anyone's list as far as I know...but, if that was the price of getting a community center for all those other things, then it could be done tastefully, and I could live with that...
Beach Fanatic
I agree with you two- I am more concerned with getting "real community" stuff like the pool, tennis courts, performing arts facility, more and improved football, soccer, and baseball fields, a movie theater that shows movies other than blockbusters (let that stay in Destin and PCB), improved public marina facilities that could be the home of sailing and paddling clubs...I don't think the majority of SoWal tourists come here jonesing for putt putt.:roll:
Who comes here for football or baseball? I say put in a Goofy Golf on one of the 39 bust subdivisions that have nothing on them but sewer stubs and lets turn this place around!
Beach FanaticAuthor
Who comes here for football or baseball? I say put in a Goofy Golf on one of the 39 bust subdivisions that have nothing on them but sewer stubs and lets turn this place around!
Thinking about it, most of the infrastructure is already in place. Just cut some holes in those PVC pipes sticking up and reroute to some different locations and you are good to go. The county could do that through parks and recreation to recover the dollars they let go on the expired letters of credit.
Beach Fanatic
Thinking about it, most of the infrastructure is already in place. Just cut some holes in those PVC pipes sticking up and reroute to some different locations and you are good to go. The county could do that through parks and recreation to recover the dollars they let go on the expired letters of credit.
Excellent point. Cut the PVC pipes down to the ground and there you have your putting hole. Trim the weeds and now you have a green. Very simple plan. Sowal could become the future home of the "WPP" held in Vegas every year. World Professional Putters.
I don't know maybe the clutter is better?Beach Fanatic
Who comes here for football or baseball? I say put in a Goofy Golf on one of the 39 bust subdivisions that have nothing on them but sewer stubs and lets turn this place around!
I agree that anything almost would improve some of the abandoned developments...but, we need the community pool, and sports fields for the people who live here--not the tourists. You know, there are quite a lot of families who are full time residents...our children need the opportunities.
SoWal Expert
I agree that anything almost would improve some of the abandoned developments...but, we need the community pool, and sports fields for the people who live here--not the tourists. You know, there are quite a lot of families who are full time residents...our children need the opportunities.
My cousin just sent me pictures of her kids in their "outfits" for their free trial swim lesson at the local Rec Center. They're 7 or 8 months old I think.
She basically lives in the cold weather Sowal. It's an area where seasonal tourism is the main employer, it was an undiscovered sleepy area until it exploded in the last 10-15 years, where many people have second homes, where the workforce is being priced out of the housing market and commutes long distances to work, and where infrastructure and amenities are slowly being added after years of driving long distances for items easily found in a city.
The difference is that she is taking her kids to a free swim lesson at the local community center (where she also works out), can go play tennis or basketball in the park, has co-workers who live in affordable housing, the free local paper is published daily, and anyone can ride a free bus and get around town.
SWGB
We have a full miniature gold course already, why do we need another one?
SoWal Guide
I agree that anything almost would improve some of the abandoned developments...but, we need the community pool, and sports fields for the people who live here--not the tourists. You know, there are quite a lot of families who are full time residents...our children need the opportunities.
I agree GW. a community pool would be great. but I'm not dying without it, or a playground, or a marina, or a goofy golf place. because we have enjoyed ALL of these things for many years - they just don't happen to be right here in SoWal (except we do have tons of playgrounds throughout including beautiful parks, tons of preserved land, beautiful communities to explore/bike/hike/play, and the beach!). most of the other recreational places (swim, goofy golf, etc) are about 20-30 minutes away in PCB, Destin, Freeport, etc. and that is fine with me. we have some excellent swimming opportunities, between Frank Brown Park and Destin YMCA, and some local (sowal) swim instructors who have been around forever. I hear outstanding things about our local swim teams in Destin and PCB - both community-based programs - enjoyed by tons of sowal kids.
and we have outstanding soccer, baseball, basketball and other community-based sports here in SoWal - along with fields (but we do need more fields I hear). I'm thrilled with all the recreation we have now (and even more thrilled to enjoy putt putt and water parks in nearby communities). I'm not pushing to create a big town here with all the trimmings - people can go to any old city for that. at least that is my own little tiny opinion anyway! as much as I like to see our county progress politically (lord they have a long way to go), I also like to see it keep its unique character: very well preserved natural beauty with unique residents who aren't out to create yet another Atlanta suburb, thank you very much! I know its all coming (people pushing for all kinds of city programs and things they MUST have or die) but why rush it? we've come a long way baby just in the last 5-10 years... a very long way.
[don't get the wrong idea - I won't complain if and when we do get a community pool!] and if we get a goofy golf - we'll go and have a total blast as often as we can! but I don't mind going over to PCB for that - truly.
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Beach Fanatic
The putting area at WaterSound is classy. It is just a putting course. No fake statues, etc. and is surrounded by native vegetation. A screened porch is nearby for picnics. Nice bathroom and staging area for special events. Very low key, but a jewel of an asset for the resident or visiting family looking for an off beach activity. This could work well in a number of places.
Puttering Park at WaterSound. Putting area surrounded by native vegetation. Off of 30A and inside of resort. Could be copied in a number of areas in South Walton. This little building houses bathrooms and also is useful for staging catering for eclectic events held in this beautiful native area surrounded by conradina, palmetto, slash and loblolly pines and scrub oak.
Screened Porch area at WaterSound next to Puttering Park. A good off beach activity, can be used even during the rain. Slightly larger screened porch built in a number of native areas still available in South Walton and close to 30A would be useful for a number of activities from family reunions to casual lunch meetings.
well hidden would be ok but is there artificial turf
Beach Fanatic
I agree GW. a community pool would be great. but I'm not dying without it, or a playground, or a marina, or a goofy golf place. QUOTE)
Tootsie, I am not either; in fact, I would eliminate some of the things that we do have if it were just me...my biggest interest is in using some of what we have already built in a natural way that conserves the environment.
It is sad to see Nature Walk and the other developments just sitting there--if we could utilize it for a recreation center that would offer positive additions to our community, then we could prevent more destruction of the forest and land while at the same time serving a community need that many families desire.
I'm certainly not advocating for goofy golf--but if we are to have it, I would prefer it have a SoWal look!
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SoWal Guide
I agree GW. a community pool would be great. but I'm not dying without it, or a playground, or a marina, or a goofy golf place. QUOTE)
Tootsie, I am not either; in fact, I would eliminate some of the things that we do have if it were just me...my biggest interest is in using some of what we have already built in a natural way that conserves the environment.
It is sad to see Nature Walk and the other developments just sitting there--if we could utilize it for a recreation center that would offer positive additions to our community, then we could prevent more destruction of the forest and land while at the same time serving a community need that many families desire.
I'm certainly not advocating for goofy golf--but if we are to have it, I would prefer it have a SoWal look!
I hear ya, and agree. at least to an extent. I am just about getting tired of all the "fancy schmancy" around this place. enough already. bring on the goofy sheet.not really. good common sense and sound design for all things, including putt putt, always best.
SoWal Expert
I vote we MAKE our own goofy golf holes and have a ninja competition!
I've got a couple hundred extra golf balls and a couple putters!
I've got a couple hundred extra golf balls and a couple putters!
SoWal Guide
I vote we MAKE our own goofy golf holes and have a ninja competition!
I've got a couple hundred extra golf balls and a couple putters!
okay. perfect!
we just played goofy golf in Fernandina Beach last week (amelia island). twice. it was a riot and I definitely need more practice. nothing fancy but really funn. speaking of which, it was so refreshing to be in a town where there is way more old than new. and I mean real old. we're talking home of pirates and home of the shrimping industry. and just oozing with history and character. but, not a single tacky touristy building or place to be seen. not a single high rise. and almost not a single fancy home or building to be seen anywhere. certainly no monster houses on the beach. just plain good old beach houses, mixed in with some B&B's and condos (some ugly ones). one smal end of the island of Amelia contains Amelia Plantation - and while its a nice resort with restaurants and shops and golf, its not over the top - and you don't see it unless you go out of your way to go. we enjoyed the whole island, from beach to state parks, to river to historic downtown and in between neighborhoods and tons of really wonderful restaurants (much seafood), but never even glimpsed the resort.
one of the goofy golf places at a huge wide-open public beach/park was as plain as you can imagine, but with many little whacky angles and dips - even more challenging than the other more fancy one with waterfalls and such.
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Beach Fanatic
I love miniature golf - putt putt, but I can live with it being in PCB. Same thing with waterparks (no, I don't go down the slide, I'd slosh all the water out of the wave pool), but I can be at Shipwreck in 35-40 minutes.
The one thing that others have mentioned would be a public swimming pool with evening / afternoon swim classes. Yes, there are classes in the area, but 10:00 on weekday mornings is not accessible for many of us - and every kid that grows up in SoWal needs to be able to swim.
I was fortunate in that my aunt was taking my cousin's kids to semi-private classes at Seaside and Carillon Beach back in the day and offered to take/pick up ShallowsSquirt and pay for his classes as well. He had an excellent swim teacher and as a result swims very well. Had it not been for my aunt, I could not have taken him as I work during the day and my schedule is fairly inflexible.
The one thing that others have mentioned would be a public swimming pool with evening / afternoon swim classes. Yes, there are classes in the area, but 10:00 on weekday mornings is not accessible for many of us - and every kid that grows up in SoWal needs to be able to swim.
I was fortunate in that my aunt was taking my cousin's kids to semi-private classes at Seaside and Carillon Beach back in the day and offered to take/pick up ShallowsSquirt and pay for his classes as well. He had an excellent swim teacher and as a result swims very well. Had it not been for my aunt, I could not have taken him as I work during the day and my schedule is fairly inflexible.
SoWal Expert
I don't want anything fancy- just normal community stuff. Even small communities (like Freeport) have a pool- it would be great for the high school and middle schools to have swim/dive teams. The pool is just one example of what many people consider basics. I know people survived without these things before, but now more people live here, and meeting the needs of the community as a whole enhances property values.
The reality is that we need more community "stuff" to enhance our property values- plenty of people have become full-timers, have kids, contribute to the local economy, and now need basic community infrastructure like sports/rec facilities, arts, excellence in education, etc. Adding to the community infrastructure is good growth.
The reality is that we need more community "stuff" to enhance our property values- plenty of people have become full-timers, have kids, contribute to the local economy, and now need basic community infrastructure like sports/rec facilities, arts, excellence in education, etc. Adding to the community infrastructure is good growth.
Beach FanaticAuthor
If the county does in fact have a permanent population of 57K, I wonder what other areas we could find, similar in size and tax base, and see what community features and programs that they have. A lot is being said that the Parks and Rec programs were cut due to tax issues, but I have also been told that participation had really fallen off. I also have heard that we lost the $100K contribution to a new park in sowal when we did the lease for the 9000 sq ft building for the D5 commissioner that is now costing us around $9K a month instead of the $1300 we were paying. Who in the world needs 9K sq ft for an office for three people.
SoWal Guide
I don't want anything fancy- just normal community stuff. Even small communities (like Freeport) have a pool- it would be great for the high school and middle schools to have swim/dive teams. The pool is just one example of what many people consider basics. I know people survived without these things before, but now more people live here, and meeting the needs of the community as a whole enhances property values.
The reality is that we need more community "stuff" to enhance our property values- plenty of people have become full-timers, have kids, contribute to the local economy, and now need basic community infrastructure like sports/rec facilities, arts, excellence in education, etc. Adding to the community infrastructure is good growth.
of course you are completely right on every point here jdarg! I just like to complain about people moving in from larger communities wanting more stuff like they had wherever they came from. this place is uniquely wonderful not to mention perfect without all the stuff - even so we have literally never lacked for recreation, swimming, or anything I can think of. but its all coming, and we'll all benefit and be glad when it does. In some ways I would like to see SoWal incorporate and bring city level services tailored to meet the needs our unique town. The County level govt is greatly lacking in vision, imo.
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