Hickory Park in Wakulla County Expands Services with Grant Funding

{sidebar id=1}A multiyear effort to expand recreational services takes effect next Wednesday, July 25 at 9:30 a.m. as a $200,000 check will be presented by Representative Will Kendrick. The Wakulla Counry Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the $200,000 grant request for improvements to the park from the Florida Recreation Development Assistant Program (FRDAP).

“We wanted to create an environment where an entire family could function - something for everyone - mom, dad and the children,” said Dane Moses, Wakulla County resident.

This park grant will allow expansion and improvement of the park to include two playgrounds, a tennis court, and restroom facilities, as well as other park amenities and support facilities.

“These funds will provide a boost to the parks in the county," said Kendrick. "Families will have nice facilities to visit and be able to enjoy a number of recreational activities."

The Department of Environmental Protection’s FRDAP program provides grant opportunities annually to local governments to improve their park systems. The Wakulla County Commissioners have pursued the free money from these grants to revitalize and improve the county.

“The Commissioners and I, with intense effort from Commissioner Brian Langston for his district, recognize the importance of a successful facility for our citizens," said Benjamin H. Pingree, Wakulla County Administrator. "The best news is the Commission achieved our community goals without cost to our citizens."

The Hickory Park neighborhood project, originally applied for by the Wakulla County Board of Commissioners in August 2006, will be funded completely through grant funds by the State Department of Environmental Protection with no cost to Wakulla citizens. The park is located behind Sonic Burger off Highway 319.

“We have worked hard to get the project to this point," said Sheryl Mosely, Wakulla County Parks Facilities Coordinator. "Within 6 months, the community will see progress."

If you have further questions, you may contact Sheryl Mosely at 850-926-7227 or Crystal Wainwright, Public Information for the Wakulla County Board of Commissioners at 850-926-0909.

This article originally published on July 16, 2007.

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