Sod Removal Completed

Sod removal has been completed for the entirety of all fields at Ralph Carter Park. Next steps will involve fixing and improving irrigation systems throughout the field area and regrading the fields before new sod can be installed, which is slated to take place August 2024.

Ralph Carter Park

Major project upgrades are set to include regrading and sodding of the fields to provide safety and optimal play conditions. These upgrades come in addition to others that were implemented earlier this year, which included redirection of the field lights, and installation of longer light bulb visors to help mitigate light infringement on the residential areas that surround the park.

For over 10 years, the fields at Ralph Carter Park have been a staple location for youth sports, namely soccer and flag football, drawing nearly 500 permit submissions during fiscal year 2022-2023.

Project Status Updates:

• Silt Fencing Installation: Completed.
• Field Stripping: Has begun and is scheduled to be completed in 2-3 weeks. Approximately 25% completed.
• Irrigation Repairs: Have begun and will be ongoing until grading, stormwater installation, and sod work have been completed.
• Sod: The bid has been awarded and is scheduled for August.
• Irrigation and Stormwater Material Procurement: Is currently underway.
• Overall Project Timeline: The project is on schedule.

In addition to the upgrades being completed, Ralph Carter will also have new hours effective immediately, with field lights set to go off one hour earlier than usual, at 9pm. Meanwhile, the basketball court and skate park lights will remain on until 10pm, and these amenities will remain open for the duration of the upgrade project. The Flagler County Sheriff’s office will provide enforcement of the park after its nightly closure time of 10pm.

Reopening

The full completion of this project culminated in a successful reopening of the Splash Pad on July 3, 2024.

Surface Installation Complete

Today, crews completed installation on surface materials and park amenities featured in the splash pad and are conducting testing while completing maintenance on the surrounding areas along the pad to assure both safety and quality as we get closer to reopening the facility.

Construction on the Holland Park Splash Pad is underway. The existing flooring has been removed, and installation of the new piping has begun. This work marks the beginning of the construction phase for the splash pad. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Slab Demo Completed

Demolition of the concrete slab is complete.  The initial laying out of the drains and fixtures is underway.  Drains and piping are on site.

Project Updates

• 11/9/23  The first Project Meeting was held on site.  Demolition is scheduled to begin the week of 11/13.  Survey benchmark coordination is underway.
• 11/16/23  Demolition of the concrete slab and removal of the features has begun.  The extent of the demolition surrounding the features that are to remain has been delineated. 
• 11/22/23 Demolition of the concrete slab continues.  Shop drawing review is ongoing.  

Improvements to James F. Holland Memorial Park Splash Pad

In a resounding display of community support, the City of Palm Coast is announcing the unanimous 5-0 vote that took place during the October 3, 2023, City Council meeting. This landmark decision paves the way for an all-encompassing project to rejuvenate the James F. Holland Memorial Park Splash Pad, ensuring it will be ready to welcome families and visitors with open arms for the summer of 2024. 

The splash pad, which temporarily ceased operation in the Fall of 2021 due to safety concerns arising from the wear and tear of the pour-in-place surface material, has been a focal point of our community. Following earnest efforts to address the issues with the parties responsible for the project's original design and construction, the City took proactive steps by engaging external legal counsel to facilitate recovery for the repair and restoration.

The City then enlisted the expertise of Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the splash pad and formulate a meticulous repair plan. Their rigorous evaluation revealed that the restoration would encompass tasks such as the removal of the existing concrete deck, rectifying underground piping and pump room issues, and optimizing water feature placements in alignment with the necessary piping modifications.

Upon the completion of this thorough analysis, City staff released a bid invitation for the Holland Park Splash Pad repair project. The bid received from Saboungi Construction, Inc. reflects a responsible approach to project execution. Saboungi Construction, Inc. has submitted a bid of $2,594,800.00, with an additional $305,420 allocated for Project Contingency. This prudent allocation accounts for any unexpected challenges that may arise during the construction phase and has been included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Budget.

Building upon a successful history of collaboration, the City of Palm Coast is proud to have partnered with Saboungi Construction Inc. on several distinguished projects, including Linear Park, Phase 1 of Long Creek Nature Preserve, the Indian Trails Sports Complex, and the recent Waterfront Park enhancements. Drawing from their extensive experience in splash pad projects, Saboungi Construction Inc. has also enlisted Western Aquatic Construction and Development as a subcontractor, as recommended by LifeFloor Systems.

With the design phase already complete, repairs for the James F. Holland Park Splash Pad will commence promptly. Construction will conclude by July 2024, bringing back the joy and laughter that was always meant to reside at this cherished community space.

The City of Palm Coast extends its heartfelt gratitude to our community members for their patience and support throughout this process. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming transformation of the James F. Holland Park Splash Pad, and we look forward to sharing this revitalized gem with you all in the summer of 2024!

Irrigation and Tennis Court Construction

Significant progress has been made in the past several weeks on Phase 2 of the Southern Recreation Center, including irrigation installation, construction on the new deck and bar area, and completion of one of the new tennis courts, which was painted this week. Next steps will see completion of the deck and starting construction on the additional courts, including on the new showcase tennis court.

Electrical Installation/Construction Preparation

Work is continuing on the Southern Recreation Center Phase 2 project. Land clearance and grading is now completed and crews are working on electrical installation, prepping for the extension of the new patio, and tennis court construction.

Land Clearance and Grading

All structures, sod and concrete have been removed in preparation for new tennis court installation. Railing has also been removed for the patio extension, which will include a bar area adjacent to the new showcase tennis court.

Phase 2 Court Construction

Work has commenced on Phase 2 of the Southern Recreation Center, which is set to include a number of new tennis courts, including a showcase court. This weeks crews have begun work on expansion of the outdoor patio area and have begun layout for the new courts. 

Tennis Center Clubhouse Demolition

On June 21, crews worked to demolish and remove the remnants of the former Tennis Center clubhouse. The footprint of the former structure will see construction of several new tennis courts, including a stadium court, later this Fall during future work on Phase 2 of the Southern Recreation Center Project.ater this Fall during future work on Phase 2 of the Southern Recreation Center Project.

Successful Grand Opening

The City of Palm Coast is thrilled to announce the successful grand opening of the highly anticipated Southern Recreation Center and new Lehigh Trailhead. The grand opening ceremony took place on Friday, February 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., drawing in hundreds of excited residents who gathered to celebrate and explore the new facilities.

The recreation center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Operating hours are subject to change as utilization of the facility is realized. For more information about the Southern Recreation Center, including program offerings, please visit parksandrec.fun. 

Read more about the event here: City of Palm Coast Celebrates Successful Grand Opening of Southern Recreation Center and New Lehigh Trailhead 

Substantial Completion

Substantial completion of the new Southern Recreation Center is scheduled for January 5, 2024. The Grand Opening is anticipated for February of 2024. 

Additionally, the City has been coordinating with USTA for potential grant funding to construct additional clay tennis courts, one stadium court, and four clay courts. City staff presented this item to the City Council at the business meeting on December 19, 2023, to seek approval to pursue a grant with USTA for the additional courts. The grant would cover the cost of the court construction, which would be managed directly by USTA under the grant funding in the amount of $600,000. The City Council approved City efforts to seek the grant.

In support of the USTA grant, there are several items that will be required that the City would be responsible for that are non-USTA funded as part of the additional courts. These include but are not limited to site preparation, stormwater, grading, sidewalks, stadium seating, landscaping, benches, and shade coverings. If the grant is received, the City will fund a match of $600,000 to cover the non-USTA-funded elements. City staff would bring this item back to the City Council in the future to approve the grant agreement and city expenses. Funds for this project are already budgeted in the Capital Projects fund for Fiscal Year 2024.

Steel Topping Ceremony

Construction is making progress at the new Southern Recreation Center! This week, crews celebrated the "steel topping" of the facility, which involves placing the final steel beam atop the highest point of the structure. Crews have also been working on the adjacent property which will feature a dozen new pickleball courts.

These new amenities are just a few of the highlights of the Lehigh Trailhead project which will also include a new parking lot, dog park, community garden and much more. Stay tuned to our social media channels for future updates on this project!

Groundbreaking Event for the Southern Recreation Center and Lehigh Trailhead Improvements

Today was the official breaking ground for two exciting projects coming to Palm Coast - the Southern Recreation Center and Lehigh Trailhead Improvements. We want to thank both the FDOT and TDC for their support and contributions to make these projects possible!

Palm Coast to Break Ground on Southern Recreation Facility, Lehigh Trailhead

The City of Palm Coast is set to break ground on its new Southern Recreation Facility and Lehigh Trailhead this coming Sunday, February 12 at 9am at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. 

The facility, part of Phase 2 of a Master Plan that previously included the Palm Coast Tennis Center (Est. 2008), will be partially funded by a $739,000 grant from the Flagler County Tourism Development Council (TDC). 

The remaining costs will be covered by Park Impact Fees and a contribution from the State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Agency (SR100 CRA) – all sources of revenue coming from outside the City of Palm Coast general fund.

The projects consists of approximately 63 acres of land in total that will include:

• A community building
• 12 pickleball courts
• restrooms
• locker rooms
• kitchen dining space
• lobby/balcony space
• an exterior patio
• 2 multi-purpose rooms available to the public
• community garden
• dog park
• exercise trail
• trailhead restrooms
• new parking lot

“The Southern Recreation Facility will provide residents with new programs, events, and a state-of-the-art complex where they can explore, connect and play while the Lehigh Trailhead will see some tremendous enhancements that will add a number of amenities to this popular city destination,” said James Hirst, City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Director. “With a growing population comes a growing demand for new avenues of recreational offerings, so we are excited to see these projects come to fruition and look forward to the new programs we will be able to offer as a result.”

These projects are slated for completion in 2024. The public is welcome to attend Sunday’s groundbreaking which will begin promptly at 9am. Parking for the event will be available at the Palm Coast Tennis Center.

TDC Grant

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.

Project Update

The City of Palm Coast continues to work with Gilbane Building Co. for the construction of the Regional Racquet Center at the site of the Palm Coast Tennis Center. Currently, the project is in the design phase and moving into the permitting stage. Site data collection is in progress. Updated renderings of the project will be available in the coming weeks. The groundbreaking for construction is projected for 2023.

Frequent updates to transform the Palm Coast Tennis Center into a Regional Racquet Center are developing, and reflect a design inclusive of the community's needs

The facility has become a popular amenity among residents who play tennis. By the end of fiscal year 2019, total attendance to the tennis center reached 14,293. In 2020, that number grew to 17,000. According to the United States Tennis Association, tennis participation surged among Americans during the pandemic last year. The sport saw an unprecedented 22 percent increase in overall participation compared to the previous year because it's the perfect social distancing activity

Dog Park Turf Rejuvenation

Today, crews are working to remove the dead turf from the grounds at the Lehigh Trailhead Dog Park. This involves separating the clippings and removing the dead grass.

Dog Park Enhancement and Maintenance

The City of Palm Coast's Parks and Recreation fields team will be working to assure optimal quality of the dog park turf by performing routine maintenance throughout the year. Routine maintenance will be taking place between July 16-29, 2024, at which time the dog parks at Lehigh Trailhead will be closed.

Successful Grand Opening

The City of Palm Coast is thrilled to announce the successful grand opening of the highly anticipated Southern Recreation Center and new Lehigh Trailhead. The grand opening ceremony took place on Friday, February 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., drawing in hundreds of excited residents who gathered to celebrate and explore the new facilities.

Read more about the event here: City of Palm Coast Celebrates Successful Grand Opening of Southern Recreation Center and New Lehigh Trailhead 

Parking Lot is Open!

The Lehigh Trailhead Project is nearing completion and just needs a few finishing touches. A well-designed parking lot with 76 new spaces, enhanced lighting, benches, and sidewalks are now open! The additional 76 parking spaces are expected to alleviate overflow parking concerns at the adjacent Southern Recreation Center, providing more accessibility to residents enjoying both facilities.

Trail is NOW OPEN

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project has made significant progress and the detour/partial trail closure is no longer needed. Trail users can now utilize the trail connecting Belle Terre Pkwy and Town Center Boulevard. Thank you for your patience!

Detour Extended to August 4, 2023

Due to weather delays, the detour will be continued through the end of the day August 4, 2023.

Detour Extended to July 30, 2023

Progress is being made at the Lehigh Trailhead project and the bathrooms are about 90% complete! In order to maintain the momentum on the project, the trail along Belle Terre Parkway will remain closed through the month of July while crews work to install new enhancements along the trail.

In order to provide a safe alternative for residents to enjoy, we have created a detour along Royal Palms Parkway in the meantime. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to build our future here in the City of Palm Coast.

Detour Extended to June 30, 2023

Progress is being made at the Lehigh Trailhead project and the bathrooms are about 60% complete! In order to maintain the momentum on the project, the trail along Belle Terre Parkway will remain closed through the month of June while crews work to install new enhancements along the trail.

In order to provide a safe alternative for residents to enjoy, we have created a detour along Royal Palms Parkway in the meantime. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to build our future here in the City of Palm Coast.

Detour Extended to April 30, 2023

While construction is currently underway near the Lehigh Trailhead, we want to inform residents that access to the trail along Belle Terre Parkway will be inaccessible for the next several weeks while crews work to install new enhancements along the trail.

In order to provide a safe alternative for residents to enjoy, we have created a detour along Royal Palms Parkway in the meantime. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to build our future here in the City of Palm Coast.

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project off Belle Terre Parkway will require a partial trail closure beginning January 25, 2023. The contractor will begin work on the restroom facility, which will cause closures to the trail from Royal Palms Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway to Royal Palms Parkway and Town Center Boulevard.

With the trail entrance closed, trail users will be routed down the sidewalk on Royal Palms Parkway where they can reconnect with the trail at Town Center Boulevard. The trailhead is expected to be closed from January 25, 2023, through February 8, 2023, at which time the trail entrance will reopen. 

Currently, the dirt parking lot at the Lehigh trailhead and the sidewalk that runs along the parking area is closed. Visitors to the area must park across Belle Terre Parkway in the grass lot and use the designated crosswalk at Belle Terre Pkwy and Royal Palms Pkwy. It is important for visitors to use the crosswalk for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. The closure and parking arrangements are in place to allow for necessary construction and improvements to the trailhead area. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2023.

Detour Extended to Feb. 28

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project off Belle Terre Parkway will require a partial trail closure beginning January 25, 2023. The contractor will begin work on the restroom facility, which will cause closures to the trail from Royal Palms Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway to Royal Palms Parkway and Town Center Boulevard.

With the trail entrance closed, trail users will be routed down the sidewalk on Royal Palms Parkway where they can reconnect with the trail at Town Center Boulevard. The trailhead is expected to be closed from January 25, 2023, through February 28, 2023, at which time the trail entrance will reopen. 

Currently, the dirt parking lot at the Lehigh trailhead and the sidewalk that runs along the parking area is closed. Visitors to the area must park across Belle Terre Parkway in the grass lot and use the designated crosswalk at Belle Terre Pkwy and Royal Palms Pkwy. It is important for visitors to use the crosswalk for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. The closure and parking arrangements are in place to allow for necessary construction and improvements to the trailhead area. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2023. 

To discover more about this project, visit the Capital Projects dashboard at palmcoast.gov/engineering.  To view progress on current park enhancement projects, visit palmcoast.gov/parks-and-recreation/projects. 

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project off of Belle Terre Parkway will commence on January 23, 2023. The project enhances the popular path by providing ADA-compliant paved parking with more than 60 parking spaces, a restroom, and a water fountain. The project also includes community gardens, a dog park, lighting, and pavilions.

The dirt parking lot at the Lehigh trailhead and the sidewalk that runs along the parking area will close starting Monday, January 23, for the duration of construction. Visitors to the area must park across Belle Terre Parkway in the grass lot and use the designated crosswalk at Belle Terre Pkwy and Royal Palms Pkwy to access the trailhead. It is important for visitors to use the crosswalk for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. The closure and parking arrangements are in place to allow for necessary construction and improvements to the trailhead area. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2023. 

This project supports the City Council’s priority pillar of safe and reliable services and promotes collaboration with Flagler County on the Countywide Parks Master Plan. It is also a direct result of great partnerships and inter-agency cooperation by the City of Palm Coast, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization.City planners worked with staff from both organizations to amend FDOT’s 5-year Work Program and the River to Sea TPO’s 5-year Transportation Improvement Plan to make this project a reality.  

This project was made possible by a grant for $1.24 million provided by the Florida Department of Transportation. Residents and visitors to Palm Coast also help contribute to improvements at city amenities through spending locally, which is highlighted in the city’s Be Local Buy Local campaign. A portion generated through the small county surtax and the local government half-cent sales tax comes back to the community to pay for capital improvement projects. This is another example of how shopping local helps not just the businesses, but also the community.

In addition to sales tax, recreation impact fees are also utilized. This means every new dwelling unit constructed in Palm coast pays an impact fee that is used to pay for a portion of recreation capacity improvement projects.

To discover more about this project, visit the Capital Projects dashboard at palmcoast.gov/engineering 

Ribbon Cutting

The City of Palm Coast hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waterfront Park today to celebrate the culmination of a comprehensive improvement project, resulting in new amenities, enhancements, and renovations to elevate the park's recreational offerings and accessibility.

The transformation of Waterfront Park, a project estimated at $1,200,000, began in November 2022 and was funded by a three-part FIND grant ($533,000), city-generated impact fees ($462,000), and capital funds ($205,000). The highlights of the project include:

• A newly installed floating dock providing convenient access for non-motorized water vessels.
• A spacious concrete gathering pad serving as a focal point for park visitors.
• A designated water access point for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, facilitating waterborne activities.
• Extensive landscaping and sodding throughout the park, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Ongoing Phase B of the project, focusing on additional parking to provide closer access to the newly improved amenities.

"This project was approached with great care to ensure that Waterfront Park's unique charm and natural allure remain intact while introducing new opportunities for recreational engagement," stated Eric Gebo, the City of Palm Coast's Project Manager and Stormwater & Engineering Architect. “From the installation of the floating dock to the expansion of green spaces and the introduction of kayaking and paddleboarding options, we are excited for residents to embrace these enhancements.”

The City of Palm Coast has also unveiled the installation of a state-of-the-art rental kiosk, providing residents with convenient access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for use at the new Waterfront Park floating dock. The rental kiosk installation was made possible by partnering with PADL, a renowned water sports rental company based in Key Biscayne. 

One of the standout features of this partnership is the favorable revenue-sharing arrangement. PADL will receive 80% of the rental revenue, while the City of Palm Coast will receive 20%. This arrangement ensures a sustainable model for offering this service to residents and supports the maintenance and improvement of the recreational facilities at Waterfront Park.

To extend this convenience to more residents, the City has set its sights on installing a similar kiosk at Long Creek. Residents can look forward to experiencing this second location within the next 2-3 months.

Pricing for these watercraft rentals starts at just $25 per hour, enabling individuals and families to enjoy leisurely outings without breaking the bank. For those looking to maximize their waterfront experiences, a monthly membership option is available for $30, granting unlimited access to the watercraft offerings. Rental fees are subject to change.

“We are thrilled to add the PADL rental kiosk to Waterfront Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst. “This addition enriches our city's recreational options, encouraging an active lifestyle for our community. We hope that residents and visitors enjoy this new amenity alongside the other enhancements that have revitalized this beautiful park.”

Waterfront Park Project Update

The enhancements to Waterfront Park are nearing completion, and we are excited to announce that a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 18, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Eric Gebo, Stormwater & Engineering Architect for the City of Palm Coast, gave a brief final project update on the construction finishing up at Waterfront Park in Palm Coast, Florida.

Eric shares the thrilling updates on the on-site changes at Waterfront Park in Palm Coast, Florida. The sitework is almost done, landscaping is in place, and sod is being laid. The floating dock is launched and has already attracted a family of manatees.

Get ready to set sail as we approach the completion of this project in early August 2023. Residents are encouraged to visit palmcoast.gov/events for additional information on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.    

Waterfront Park Project Update

Waterfront Park construction for enhancements are making progress as canal dredging is complete and stockpiled dirt has been relocated for future capital improvement project use at Southern Recreation Center.

Eric Gebo, Stormwater & Engineering Architect for the City of Palm Coast, gave a brief project update on the construction being done at Waterfront Park in Palm Coast, Florida.

Eric explains all the exciting changes that are happening on-site and what residents can expect in the next phase of construction. Currently, the concrete patio has been installed and canal dredging has been completed for this project. The boat access retaining wall has been installed and the sidewalk for access to the boat launch will be installed in the upcoming week. Coquina revetment has also been installed which will better protect the shoreline. 

The next phase of this project is the development of the underground Stormwater system to protect the site from flooding. Residents are still able to access the shell path while the construction is ongoing. This project is expected to be completed in mid-August 2023.   

Waterfront Park Trail Closure March 6-8

Construction enhancements at Waterfront Park will require a temporary 3-day closure of the shell path from March 6 to March 8. The shell path will be closed at the trail entrance on Waterfront Road and at the bridge that leads to Children’s Memorial Garden. During this time, there will be no alternate route to reach the trail.

This closure is required for the project to continue and is paramount for the safety of our trail users. The shell path will reopen on March 9. An electronic message board sign will be displayed regarding the closure. 

During the closure, contractors will: 

• Grade the retention area to the needed elevation.
• Conduct underground pipework across the path for drainage.
• Add additional shell material to raise the path.
• Install sod to protect the new retention slopes.

The City of Palm Coast has received a multi-year grant through the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to enhance Waterfront Park by building non-motorized boat access through a floating dock for a launch area. This will provide access to kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, row boats, and others, further adding to residents’ recreational experience at one of Palm Coast’s most treasured parks.

Bringing water access to Waterfront Park has been part of the park’s master plan since 2005. The 20-acre park’s amenities currently include:

• Family picnic pavilions.
• A playground.
• A fishing pier.
• Trails connecting the City’s entire trail system.

It is also home to the Children’s Memorial Garden. The launch area will be available for public use on the Intracoastal Waterway for recreational activities. This project is expected to be completed in mid-August 2023.   

Improvement Update

The canal is being dredged and dirt is stockpiled on-site at Waterfront Park as construction for enhancements has officially begun. 

Hear from Eric Gebo, Stormwater & Engineering Architect for the City of Palm Coast, as he gives a brief project update on the construction being done at Waterfront Park in Palm Coast, Florida.

Eric explains all the exciting changes that are happening on-site and what residents can look forward to once this project is complete. The ground is prepped for the construction of a 60 x 100-foot concrete patio for public use. Dredging of the canal will deepen the waters for the installation of the kayak and boat launch. 

“It’s important to note that with all the construction happening at this beautiful park that the contractor has been diligent in trying to protect as many of the historic trees and underbrush existing on the site as possible,” said Eric Gebo, Stormwater & Engineering. “The dredged material is stockpiled and will be transferred to the future site of the Southern Recreation Center. This is a great example of making the best use of the materials we have on hand.”   

Residents are still able to access the shell path while the construction is ongoing. This project is expected to be completed in mid-August 2023.   

To read more details about the Waterfront Enhancement project information, click here.  

Groundbreaking Event

The City of Palm Coast has received a multi-year grant through the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for enhancements to Waterfront Park to build non-motorized boat access. This will provide access for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, row boats, and others, further adding to residents’ recreational experience at one of Palm Coast’s most treasured parks.

A groundbreaking event is planned for Wednesday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for Thursday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m. FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford will deliver remarks on the project, as will Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. The event is open to the public and all those who enjoy Waterfront Park. 

What: Waterfront Park Groundbreaking Event

Who: City of Palm Coast & FIND Commission

When: November 30, 2022  | 2:00 PM 

Where: 150 Waterfront Park Road, Palm Coast

For more information, contact the Communications and Marketing Department by emailing Communications@palmcoastgov.com

The City of Palm Coast has received a multi-year grant through the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for enhancements to Waterfront Park to build non-motorized boat access through a floating dock for a launch area. This will provide access for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, row boats, and others, further adding to residents’ recreational experience at one of Palm Coast’s most treasured parks.

The main Intracoastal Waterway Trail that runs along the water will remain open and accessible until just past the pavilions and also will include access to the restrooms and fishing pier. The second paved path near the parking lot will be closed in its entirety for construction. A detour trail access will be available from the first wooden bridge near the park’s entrance sign through to the remainder of the trail (along our Children’s Memorial Garden and beyond). Please note this detour just west of the parking lot will only be by the shell path. There will be signage for the detour prominently displayed at the park. 

A groundbreaking event is planned for Wednesday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for Thursday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m. FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford will deliver remarks on the project, as will Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. The event is open to the public and all those who enjoy Waterfront Park. 

The construction taking place at Waterfront Park may affect the viewing accessibility of the ever-popular Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, presented by the Palm Coast Yacht Club, scheduled for December 3, 2022. The main entrance of Waterfront Park will be accessible to viewing the intracoastal, but space will be limited. Residents are encouraged to view the parade from St. Joe’s Walkway and Canopy Walk, with parking available at European Village and under the toll bridge. 

Bringing water access to Waterfront Park has been part of the park’s master plan since 2005. The 20-acre park's amenities currently include family picnic pavilions, a playground, a fishing pier, and trails that provide the linkage to the City's entire trail system. It is also home to the Children’s Memorial Garden. The launch area will be available for public use on the Intracoastal Waterway for recreational activities. 

Enhancements will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, dredging, site work, shoreline stabilization, dock installation, and a concrete pad installation will occur. This work is estimated to cost $1,200,000, split between the three-part FIND grant of $533,000 and city funds generated by impact fees at $462,000 and capital funds of $205,000. The second phase will expand parking and is estimated to cost $600,000 comprised of $228,000 in grant funds and $258,000 from city park impact fees and $114,000 from capital funds. The construction of the first phase will begin this week with completion in the summer of 2023.

Installation/Project Completion

Last week, installation of the Palm Coast Harbor Golf Club bridge was completed in a single day! Crews were able to remove and discard the old bridge and install, fasten and finalize the new bridge successfully via crane with minimal tree branch removal. We are proud to have our golfers back enjoying a new take on this 18th hole staple!

Planning

Pre-construction planning is currently underway for the new Palm Harbor Golf Club connection bridge between the 18th fairway and green. After nearly 15 years, the original 50 ft. bridge has experienced significant deterioration and will be removed beginning on August 22, with a new weather-treated steel bridge to be installed in its place. The entire installation project is slated to last just over a week, and the new bridge will open immediately upon completion

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Sod Installation and Continued Irrigation

As  Parks and Recreation crews continue to complete irrigation, Public Works' Special Projects team has started work on sodding and peripheral fence installation across the duration of the field space.

Path Clearing

Surveying for this project has been completed and crews are working to clear pathways along the preserve which will be utilized for new walkways across the property. This project is slated to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.