South Walton Sports Complex Update

Busta, I believe I recall wrobert saying that the people in South Walton had no business (say so) in establishing building heights in North Walton, so that probably works in the contrary, too. He doesn't likely want a say so in South Walton activities.

 

What land is available for this? Who is to pay for the land? Do they intend to get it from the State Forest like the County has always tried to do in the past? I think this is a great idea, if thought through properly and does not impact the Forest which makes south Waltin so very special.

 

I agree murph. I think the trees along US98 should be an established buffer to any more development on the corridor. As they cruise through South Walton, who wouldn't rather enjoy nature over a boatload of commercial eye clutter?

Not saying it is a perfect example, but Hilton Head Island (at least in the beginning of their development) took that into consideration. They made sure any signs were limited to a certain size, and they were very careful about conserving natural landscapes. Wouldn't be the worst example to take some cues from.

 

I don't use my real name and you still talk to me...;-)

 

And, although I didn't know it at the time of the earlier post, I think the employees of the TDC had other things on their mind today.

Prayers for Michele & Gilbert...RIP, Chase...

 

Amen SN

 

Does tend to put things in their proper perspective. My prayers as well to the Ray family.

 

priorities

I believe that we need to look at SoWal priorities before jumping into such a venture. Take a look at Eastern Lake. For several years it has been in the papers, courts, various govt. entities, etc... on the condition of the lake. Eastern Lake is one of South Waltons most beautiful and natural inlet lakes. One homeowner had taken it upon himself to dump construction grade sand near the inlet cut before a tropical storm which not only raised the inlet level with sand not letting in the natural seaflow and saltwater to keep the lake alive, but now the lake is a grassy, slime infested lake with the great fishing depleted and replaced by snakes, gators and who knows what else. Lets dredge this thing back to its original state, then we can look at a sports complex!

 

where is the property?

 

Oh look another Worth Williams basher. Just curious are you one of the fine folks that travels out to the outfall late at night under cover of dark to illegally open the outflow? While I don't agree with the sand that was placed there, the opening of the outflow manually is not going to fix the problem. If the area were left alone mother nature would correct herself. Of course no one ever mentions the property owner on the other side who keeps installing illegal dune fencing.

 

I'm surprised no one posted this little news item from yesterday.

Padgett Park to See Long-Awaited Construction

Padgett Park to See Long-Awaited Construction Save Email Print
Posted: 10:08 PM Aug 10, 2009
Last Updated: 10:08 PM Aug 10, 2009
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Padgett Park State Grant
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A $1.4 million state grant will allow Walton County officials to begin developing Padgett Park in Santa Rosa Beach.
Officials purchased the nearly 17-acres a land in 2007 in hopes of creating a recreational park.
The park was named after a Walton County resident, Sergeant Timothy Padgett who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
The county applied for the same grant in 2007 and 2008, but it was denied both times.
Friday commissioner Cecilia Jones got good news that the state had award the county $1.4 million to begin construction on the land.
Commissioner Jones is pleased with the unexpected news.
"In these tough economic times it's really hard for families just to be at peace. So, I hope we'll have a park where they can go and relax with their families," says Jones.
Construction is expected to begin by January of 2010.

 

yesteday was the first I'd heard of this. Anyone else have any idea it was being considered? Anyone know what is going into the park?

 

From the glimpse I saw on TV of the site plan it appeared to be some soccer fields and a large building. They didn't elaborate on the actual plans, but perhaps Mrs. Jones will have the same site plan at her office. She was interviewed for the story.

 

The plan that she had was put together so they could apply for the grant. There are no concrete details yet, and they are open to suggestion. I do think they wanted to put in some tennis courts, and playground equipment.

 

I will be interested in hearing whether the grant SWGB posted earlier has anything to do with the rec/play park that was proposed to the county last year. by Tootsie

That is exactly what I was wondering. Where does the PlayPark fit into this....did anyone know about this before? Was there a naming ceremony? I have not seen anything about it in the news--maybe I missed it.
And, the news story confuses me. It states the County bought the land; and now have a grant from Florida Forever that reimburses the county for the purchase...so, where is the money coming from to build the park?

 

I don't know specifically what was in this year's grant application, but last year when the grant was applied for, we were talking about tennis and basketball courts with a small playground and I think some type of building. This is also the site that eventually a swimming pool was planned. This is great news about the grant.

The playpark is still planned to go into Helen McCall, although it is taking a long time !!!

 

As to the naming it is named after a Padgett that died in Iraq/Afghanistan. I'll ask Ray the next time I see him more about it. I'm assuming this is a relative.

 

thanks. I read that and I think that is great. I was just wondering if there had been a ceremony or announcement of the naming for the park. I think his mother works at the Annex, not sure if they are related to Ray, but probably.

 

Thanks. A pool would be wonderful. I am just surprised that there has been so little information about this. Or perhaps I just missed it. But, it seems like a pretty big deal to buy this land and request a grant for a good sized park, and have it already named, and I don't remember seeing any mention of it in the papers, or any ceremony for the naming...oh well.

I am glad the playpark is still going in at Helen McCall. What is taking so long?