Palm Coast Awarded TDC Grant for Southern Recreation Facility

On August 15, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) awarded the City of Palm Coast a $739,000 grant from the Flagler County Tourism Development Council (TDC) to aid in funding the construction of the Southern Recreation Facility. The TDC has previously approved the grant funds going to the City of Palm Coast at their July 20, 2022, meeting, but needed the Commission’s approval as the final step. 

Through the grant process, the TDC recommends funding for eligible capital projects as determined to be in the best interest of Flagler County tourism. There are no guarantees that applicants will be awarded funding. In addition, even though a project may qualify, limited funds may not allow all projects to receive assistance. The grant funding is drawn from revenue generated from a percentage of the tourism sales surtax collected. Decisions regarding the award of funds are at the sole discretion of the TDC and BOCC. 

“The community of Palm Coast was designed to be the perfect place to live, offering a balanced blend of the natural environment and recreational amenities. The pillar sports were tennis, golf, and watersports; these three amenities were designed to serve as magnets to attract potential residents and investors.” George A. Libonate Jr. wrote in the Palm Coast Historical Society’s newsletter years ago.

The existing Tennis Center is on the property of the Southern Recreation Facility. It is approximately 63 acres and is located off of Belle Terre Parkway near the entrance to the popular Lehigh Trailhead. Phase 1 of the Master Plan was constructed in 2008 and features 10 Full-Size Clay Courts as well as a Temporary Clubhouse. The construction of Phase 2 of the Master Plan will accommodate two major projects: the Lehigh Trailhead Project and the Southern Recreation Facility Project. 

The Lehigh Trailhead Project will feature an expansion of amenities including community gardens, a dog park, and an exercise trail. The Southern Recreation Facility, which was awarded the TDC grant, will feature a Community Building and 12 Pickleball courts. The Southern Recreation Facility Community Building will consist of administration offices, restrooms, locker rooms, kitchen dining space, public access to 2 multi-purpose rooms, lobby space, an exterior patio, and balcony space. The exterior of the facility will consist of 12 pickleball courts, in which 6 will be lighted and covered for all-season use. 

“As a place to explore, connect, and play – the Palm Coast Southern Recreation Facility will be both an asset to residents and a regional destination for tourists,” said James Hirst, City of Palm Coast Parks & Recreation Director. “We are genuinely excited to see these enhancements come to life providing a home to many programs, events, and sports tournaments. The Palm Coast Southern Recreation Center will better assist our community with its ever-growing need for recreation space.”

In addition to the funds from the TDC grant, the Recreation Facility project is funded by revenue sources outside of the general fund for the City of Palm Coast. Funding has been made possible by the TDC grant, Park Impact Fee, and State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Agency (SR100 CRA). 

The City of Palm Coast plans to move forward with construction of the Southern Recreation Facility in the coming months will a tentative completion date of December 2023.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.