What is going on with Helen McCall Park?

[wrobert]

I thought that thing was in line for major renovations out of the Recreation Fee money. I see where there have been parks brought online all over the county, and even a semi-private park being built in Driftwood, is there anything at all happening for the kids at Helen McCall?

[Jdarg]

Helen McCall Park being eyed for improvements | park, land, mccall - WaltonSun.com

At the request of County Commissioner Cecelia Jones, State Representative Brad Drake is going to Tallahassee soon to talk with state land agencies about opportunities to acquire 40 acres of land adjoining Helen McCall Park. The parcel under discussion is located to the south of the park.
It is planned to acquire the property strictly for recreational, not commercial purposes.
"It was actually Alan Osborne's idea," said Jones. "First, we just want to acquire the property and then get input from the community on possible uses, but parking would be great."
Jones is concerned that this and other projects have been dormant for too long.
"We will be looking into any and all opportunities that may exist to enter into a long-term lease or obtain donation of this property, "said Drake.
Jones is also looking at design and playground equipment procurement issues at Mission Play Park, a playground area that will be located within Helen McCall Park. Funds for the equipment have already been allocated and Preble-Rish Engineering Company is now working with the county on modifications to the master plan for the playground area. Some modifications to adjacent Moll Drive to facilitate storm water retention and drainage are being considered.
Jones is planning to begin meeting on a regular monthly basis with a Scenic Gulf Drive organizing committee to address parking and beautification issues along Old U.S. Highway 98.

[kurt]

So is the county trying to acquire part of the state forest?

[Jdarg]

So is the county trying to acquire part of the state forest?

I don't know about that part- I am just interested in the part that the Mission Playpark group has worked on since Winter 2007....it is time to get the show on the road. Permitting is supposedly happening this summer. We have been patient, but it is time to get some playground equipment.

[ShallowsNole]

Back in the day when we spent countless hours out there, it was our understanding that there was 10 additional acres on the east side of the park (just east of the football field) that was county-owned for future expansion. While I haven't looked at any plans, in my mind I assumed that is where the playground would go.

That being said, though, parking has ALWAYS been an issue. It was adequate 5 to 10 years ago, for activities one at a time, though you had to be careful not to back into another vehicle or run over a kid. Get two or more activities, especially with visiting teams, going on and there could be issues.

I'm all for state forest, but kids are our future, and youth sports do make a difference.

[Jdarg]

Back in the day when we spent countless hours out there, it was our understanding that there was 10 additional acres on the east side of the park (just east of the football field) that was county-owned for future expansion. While I haven't looked at any plans, in my mind I assumed that is where the playground would go.

That being said, though, parking has ALWAYS been an issue. It was adequate 5 to 10 years ago, for activities one at a time, though you had to be careful not to back into another vehicle or run over a kid. Get two or more activities, especially with visiting teams, going on and there could be issues.

I'm all for state forest, but kids are our future, and youth sports do make a difference.

Ten acres on the west side was acquired, and that is where the playpark is going to be located, as well as restrooms, some parking, and a few other things in the future, like a community center building.

[totally]

Ten acres on the west side was acquired, and that is where the playpark is going to be located, as well as restrooms, some parking, and a few other things in the future, like a community center building.

There are an additional 10 acres available directly north of the 10 that has already been aquired that might be worth looking into. Any other parcels to the south are owned by the state, whom I don't think would like to give property to Walton County based on past misusages.

[SGB]

There are an additional 10 acres available directly north of the 10 that has already been aquired that might be worth looking into. Any other parcels to the south are owned by the state, whom I don't think would like to give property to Walton County based on past misusages.

The county tried to buy those 10 acres when Cindy Meadows was in office. At the time, the owners wanted more money than the county was willing to spend. This was after the market had definitely softened, but not to the extent it is now.

[scooterbug44]

Are those owners current on their property taxes? If not, maybe they'd be willing to make a deal.