• Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
New posts

Jen

Beach Fanatic
Mar 22, 2006
1,097
63
Santa Rosa Beach FL

Big Beach Buzz: Walton County Gets Ready for Major Upgrades!​

Get ready, South Walton! Big changes are coming to enhance your beach experience and overall enjoyment of our beautiful slice of paradise. Brian Kellenberger, Walton County Beach Operations Director, recently brought exciting news to the Walton County Tourist Development Council, outlining a slate of municipal parking projects and other fantastic improvements. It sounds like our beloved South Walton is about to get even better!

Screenshot 2025-06-05 at 06-15-03 Walton Beach Operations Share Plans and Progress.pdf.png


One of the most anticipated projects, the Driftwood Road Municipal Parking Facility, is officially a go! Director Kellenberger announced that Elite Building Group secured the construction bid for a cool $2,210,719.12 at the April 22nd Walton County Commission meeting. This isn't just any parking lot; this facility will have 70 parking spaces, along with dedicated ADA, low-speed vehicle spaces, bicycle parking, and even electric vehicle charging stations. And for those much-needed pit stops, a new restroom building will offer convenient sidewalk connectivity to the popular Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access. If all goes as planned, construction kicks off this June and should wrap up in about 11 months.


Screenshot 2025-06-05 at 06-15-14 Walton Beach Operations Share Plans and Progress.pdf.png

More Than Just Parking: Parks and Piers on the Horizon!​

Kellenberger also shared updates on other projects that are sure to charm both locals and our cherished seasonal visitors. Imagine a stunning new Kellogg Park Nature/Community Center, a 1600-square-foot assembly-type building, taking shape at the existing park off Nursery Road. This isn't your average community center; it's designed with traditional coastal cottage architecture and will even feature an observation deck on the upper level for incredible nature viewing. They're aiming for a June construction start, with completion expected in approximately 11 months. Just think of the birdwatching opportunities!

Screenshot 2025-06-05 at 06-15-23 Walton Beach Operations Share Plans and Progress.pdf.png


And get ready for a significant facelift at Legion Park. The proposed improvements are extensive, covering everything from revamping the entry drive and parking area to upgrading stormwater systems. You'll also see a refreshed basketball court, a new volleyball court, and the splash pad we've all been hoping for! Plus, new picnic pavilions, modern playground equipment, an additional pickleball court, improved site lighting, and two small piers are in the works. The design phase is almost complete, and the team has already applied for a development order. This is going to be a game-changer for families and park-goers!


Future Forward: Visitor Centers and Beach Access​

Kellenberger rounded out his updates with quick peeks at other South Walton endeavors. Plans are moving forward for a proposed new Visitor Center, Discovery Center, and DMO Administration facility. The redesign is currently underway for a spacious 14,000-18,000-square-foot, two-story building located on US Hwy 331S. Once finished, this facility will house the new visitor and discovery center, alongside administrative offices for the Tourism department, making it a true hub for all things South Walton.

He also highlighted the acquisition of a roughly three-acre beach parcel at the Eastern Lake outfall, slated to become a new public beach access. While the specific components are still to be determined, public workshops will be held to gather input from the community on how to best develop this exciting new access point. Your voice matters, so stay tuned for opportunities to share your ideas!

Finally, a 4.5-acre parcel in Miramar Beach is set to become another beach-related municipal parking project. This property development will be integrated into the overall design and permit efforts for the Driftwood Road-Ellis Road corridor, creating a more seamless and accessible experience for everyone.
 
New posts


Shop SoWal Photos

Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter