Walton County – Sept. 2, 2024 -- The Walton County Tourist Development Council
(TDC) met in regular session Tuesday and discussed the potential funding for a
feasibility study for the city of DeFuniak Springs. Recently, the Tourism
Department was approached by the DeFuniak Springs Community Redevelopment
Agency about exploring potential improvements to the Chipley Park Amphitheater.
This outdoor venue in the Lakeyard in DeFuniak Springs is overdue for updates
and redevelopment.
As part of the discussions, the Tourism Department and CRA talked about
conducting a feasibility study to garner additional information and insight into a
potential project - a new amphitheater and amenities, such as seating, stage,
restrooms, lighting, and accessibility features.
The DeFuniak Springs John V. Lawson Amphitheater, built in 1988 with a capacity
of 1,371, has served as a vibrant venue for community concerts, plays, holiday
events and more on the scenic banks of Lake DeFuniak in Chipley Park.
Over the past 36 years, it has been a valuable asset, but modernization is necessary
to further enhance its functionality.
At the TDC meeting, Community Redevelopment Agency Director Josh Ervin said
the anticipated cost for a new amphitheater is approximately $4.5 million. “Back in
July of last year, we went out for an RFP (request for proposals) and awarded a
contract to a consultant to help us with a redevelopment plan,” said Ervin.
“The redevelopment plan was put together with a number of capital improvement
projects, matched with our projected revenues. The amphitheater got on that list.
We decided that, considering the cost of this particular project, we need to go
ahead and move it forward. That’s what led me to discussions with Matt (Algarin)
and his team trying to identify to what degree do we need to redevelop this? What
is that tourism impact? So that’s kinda where we are. We really don’t know what
that ultimate design is going to look like, but I think through this feasibility study,
it will help paint this picture a little more clear.”
A motion was made to recommend the issuance/drafting of an RFP to the Walton
County Commission for approval. An actual dollar amount was not “allocated” for
this project since it is not yet known how much the study may cost, but funds will
come from the North Walton tourism bed tax revenues. Tourism Executive Director
Matt Algarin said the matter would need final approval by the Walton County
Commission and promised to keep the TDC board informed on the process.