Leadership Walton Class of 2013, a program of the Walton Area Chamber Foundation, has selected two projects to enhance Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, a well-maintained treasure in our community.
The first project is the design and construction of an ADA appropriate dock that will extend out and over one of the parks many ponds. This improvement will provide accessibility for the handicapped as well as improve the overall fishing experience for all guests.
Their second project will include enhancements to the park’s 5K hiking trail. The class will design, assemble and install seven fitness stations along the hiking trail. These stations will include Balance Beam, Body Raise & Reverse Pull-up, Hand Walk & Body Dip, Pull-up Bar, Quadriceps and Sit-up & Leg Raise.
History of the project:
The class was approached by a staff member at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park when they were in the brainstorming phase determining what could be done to improve Walton County. This staff member emphasized the need for these improvements and explained that full state funding is not a possibility due to recent cuts. Weather permitting, they will be constructing on March 22 - 23. The total costs for the project are projected to be $7000, with most going to material costs.
According to Park Manager Jason Cutshaw, “A goal of the park service is to provide more accessible recreation to the stewards of the park. The addition of an ADA accessible fishing deck would give an opportunity for individuals and families to safely enjoy one of our lakes. This and the fitness trail will become future key points in the park for many years to come, helping us to provide resource-based reaction while preserving our Florida.”
As part of the project, the class is accepting tax free donations to assist in the construction of both the deck and the fitness stations. If you would like to contribute to this project, feel assured that your investment into Walton County's beautiful landscape will be enduring and thoroughly enjoyed by both locals and visitors in the community.
The class would like to thank current contributors Preble-Rish, The Howard Group, Bancorp South, Crystal Beach Development, Carr, Riggs & Ingram and JP Construction.
Donations:
By Credit Card:
1. Contact Joanna Bemier at the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce at 850-267-0683.
2. Donate online by registering for the event at http://business.waltonareachamber.com/events/details/topsailstate- parkproject-8770
By Check:
1. Submit a check made payable to the Walton County Chamber Foundation
Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
63 S. Centre Trail
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
About Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Location: Scenic Highway 30A
Beach: 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall
Lakes: 3 rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing for bass, bream, panfish and catfish
Birds: Wetlands create a great environment for bird-watching - Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail
HIKES: More than 13 miles of trails for hiking - both inland and along the shore
About Leadership Walton
Leadership Walton, a nine-month program of the Walton County Chamber Foundation, is a unique and innovative approach to the traditional community based leadership model. The program provides the opportunity to: Develop an individual’s leadership, BUILD entrepreneurial and team building skills, Increase their value to their organization, strengthen the greater community. For more information contact the Walton Area Chamber at 850-267-0683.
The first project is the design and construction of an ADA appropriate dock that will extend out and over one of the parks many ponds. This improvement will provide accessibility for the handicapped as well as improve the overall fishing experience for all guests.
Their second project will include enhancements to the park’s 5K hiking trail. The class will design, assemble and install seven fitness stations along the hiking trail. These stations will include Balance Beam, Body Raise & Reverse Pull-up, Hand Walk & Body Dip, Pull-up Bar, Quadriceps and Sit-up & Leg Raise.
History of the project:
The class was approached by a staff member at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park when they were in the brainstorming phase determining what could be done to improve Walton County. This staff member emphasized the need for these improvements and explained that full state funding is not a possibility due to recent cuts. Weather permitting, they will be constructing on March 22 - 23. The total costs for the project are projected to be $7000, with most going to material costs.
According to Park Manager Jason Cutshaw, “A goal of the park service is to provide more accessible recreation to the stewards of the park. The addition of an ADA accessible fishing deck would give an opportunity for individuals and families to safely enjoy one of our lakes. This and the fitness trail will become future key points in the park for many years to come, helping us to provide resource-based reaction while preserving our Florida.”
As part of the project, the class is accepting tax free donations to assist in the construction of both the deck and the fitness stations. If you would like to contribute to this project, feel assured that your investment into Walton County's beautiful landscape will be enduring and thoroughly enjoyed by both locals and visitors in the community.
The class would like to thank current contributors Preble-Rish, The Howard Group, Bancorp South, Crystal Beach Development, Carr, Riggs & Ingram and JP Construction.
Donations:
By Credit Card:
1. Contact Joanna Bemier at the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce at 850-267-0683.
2. Donate online by registering for the event at http://business.waltonareachamber.com/events/details/topsailstate- parkproject-8770
By Check:
1. Submit a check made payable to the Walton County Chamber Foundation
Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
63 S. Centre Trail
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
About Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Location: Scenic Highway 30A
Beach: 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall
Lakes: 3 rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing for bass, bream, panfish and catfish
Birds: Wetlands create a great environment for bird-watching - Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail
HIKES: More than 13 miles of trails for hiking - both inland and along the shore
About Leadership Walton
Leadership Walton, a nine-month program of the Walton County Chamber Foundation, is a unique and innovative approach to the traditional community based leadership model. The program provides the opportunity to: Develop an individual’s leadership, BUILD entrepreneurial and team building skills, Increase their value to their organization, strengthen the greater community. For more information contact the Walton Area Chamber at 850-267-0683.
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