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SoWal Staff

Serving the Community!
Staff member
Apr 14, 2006
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South Walon, FL
SoWal.com
On December 8, 2020, Walton County BCC approved and awarded construction to proceed with improvements near Cowford Landing on the Choctawhatchee River. The project is funded using grant funds from the Land and Water Conservation fund program and County Preservation funds.

According to Walton County Environmental Manger Melinda Gates, "This is a great example of how the County can leverage funding sources."

The proposed improvements include the construction of screened in shelters, a boardwalk and boarding/loading docks, installation of handicap canoe/kayak launches and station racks, park benches, restroom facilities, and a parking area.

"I am both excited and eager to get started. This project will be an important asset to all the citizens of Walton County," said District 1 Commissioner Boots McCormick. "The public's access to the Choctawhatchee River is very important, especially with the rapid population growth we are currently experiencing. I also believe that this project and more planned like it will be an excellent opportunity to utilize our new approved North Walton TDC tax and really achieve Ecotourism here at home."

The proposed project will provide separation between the canoe/kayak users and the existing boat ramp activities.
 

SoWal Staff

Serving the Community!
Staff member
Apr 14, 2006
3,835
511
South Walon, FL
SoWal.com
Walton County, FLNovember 10, 2021 – With a unanimous vote during its Nov. 9 meeting, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners agreed to move forward with construction of the Comander’s Landing project, a part of the county’s Choctawhatchee Paddle Trail.

As part of their motion, the board agreed to include a plaque on the project site honoring Ada and Mercer Comander.

County commissioners awarded a contract in the amount of $711,252.35 to Winterfell Construction, Inc, who will construct a handicap canoe/kayak launch, canoe/kayak stations, a boardwalk, restrooms, and an educational kiosk at the Comander’s Landing/River Road regional site. As part of the improvements, the contractor will also update the parking area.

Funding for the project will come from grants through the Recreational Trails Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Walton County preservation funds.

These new amenities will add to the ecotourism efforts throughout the county for both residents and visitors. From the beaches south of Choctawhatchee Bay to Morrison Springs, Walton County boasts incredible opportunities to explore its outdoor wonders.

To learn more about the Choctawhatchee Paddle Trail or the Comander’s Landing Project, please contact Walton County Environmental Coordinator Melinda Gates at (850) 892-8108 or gatmelinda@co.walton.fl.us.


Choctawhatchee River Paddle Trail Background

Walton County collaborated with Holmes and Washington County in 2016 to designate a portion of the Choctawhatchee River as a Florida Blueway trail. The approximately 60-mile trail begins at East Pittman Creek Boat Ramp on SR 2 and ends at Cowford Landing near SR 20. There are multiple public access sites along the trail managed by several governmental agencies including Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD), Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local counties.
 

SoWal Staff

Serving the Community!
Staff member
Apr 14, 2006
3,835
511
South Walon, FL
SoWal.com
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Choctawhatchee River Paddle Trail at Cowford Landing

Walton County will soon open doors at its newest park facility, Choctawhatchee River Paddle Trail at Cowford Landing. On Wednesday, August 10 th at 9:00 am the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (WCBCC) will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting at the new facility, approximately 100 yards past the existing Cowford Boat Launch, located at SR20 and the Choctawhatchee River at 55 Big Cedar Road, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455.

The new facility includes two screened-in pavilions for overnight camping, a restroom facility, picnic
tables and benches, canoe/kayak racks, handicap accessible canoe/kayak launch and associated
boardwalk, and parking facility. The construction of the site was funded by the Land and Water
Conservation Fund through the US Department of Interior, the National Park Service, the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, and the Walton County Preservation Fund.


The public is invited to take part in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on August 10 th . For more information,
please contact Rachel Jenkins, Public Information Officer, at (850) 892-8155 or
jenrachel@co.walton.fl.us.
 

SoWal Staff

Serving the Community!
Staff member
Apr 14, 2006
3,835
511
South Walon, FL
SoWal.com
On Aug. 10, Walton County Commissioners and community stakeholders held a ribbon cutting for its newest park facility, the Choctawhatchee River Paddle Trail at Cowford Landing.

image.jpg


Located approximately 100 yards past the existing Cowford Boat Launch, located at SR 20 and the Choctawhatchee River at 55 Big Cedar Road, Ponce De Deon, FL, this facility includes two screened-in pavilions, a restroom facility, picnic tables and benches, canoe/kayak racks, handicap accessible canoe/kayak launch and associated boardwalk, and parking facility. The construction of the site was funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the US Department of Interior, the National Park Service, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Walton County Preservation Fund.

This new park facility is an incredible addition to the Walton County community and will ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy the area's incredible natural resources, whether they choose to paddle and kayak along the river or just enjoy the views and amenities of the park.
 
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